Canadian Heroes Foundation

02/13/2026

R.E.D. Friday.. Remember Everyone Deployed.. at the ready.. at all times.. on home or foreign soil.. Lest we forget 🍁

02/09/2026

Some further pictures from today's burial. I want to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support for the family and unit during these tough times. Sebastian is buried right beside Corporal Nathan Cirillo.
A special thank you to the Silver Cross families who came out to show their support, to Chair of the Canadian Heroes Foundation Brent Schriner, and to all of you across the country and around the world who showed your support, love, compassion, and thoughtfulness.

02/09/2026

Another picture from today Memorial Cross family recipients McLaren, Stark, Payne, Loveman and board chair Brent Schriner.

02/08/2026

I am having a hard time to not get emotional thinking on what to say here about this picture.....BUT, any tears right now are "good" tears as I always say, here are three Silver Cross family members that came out to support the family at the service today. Silver Cross Mothers from the left Mrs Loveman, Mrs Payne, and Silver Cross Father Alan McLaren. I will forever cherish this picture thank-you for making the long trip to show support to the family.

02/08/2026

An early rise for Foundation Chair Brent Schriner in Ottawa, then to pick up this years National Silver Cross Mother Mrs Payne. Currently in Trenton to enjoy a rest and a Timmies of course! He and other families will be travelling to our hotel where we will putting up other families as well in Burlington. Then we will be travelling to the funeral home for the service, details below on our wall.It is an honour to meet you Mrs Payne.

02/07/2026

🇨🇦 PLEASE READ AND SHARE 🇨🇦
On January 29, 2026, Canada lost Gunner Sebastian Cristian Halmagean, age 24, of Hamilton, Ontario, while serving on his first overseas deployment with Operation REASSURANCE in Latvia.
The Canadian Heroes Foundation invites you to join us this weekend as we honour Gunner Halmagean's life and sacrifice. Details on the visitation, a reception hosted by the Foundation at 447 Wing RCAFA in Mount Hope, and Monday's graveside service at Woodland Cemetery's Field of Honour in Burlington are below.
Please share this post so it reaches as many people as possible. Let's show this young soldier's family that Canada stands with them.
We will remember him. 🍁
Chris Ecklund
Founder & President
The Canadian Heroes Foundation
www.canadianheroes.com

Livestream of service: https://my.forever.link/register/DBAncaster/gunner-sebastian-halmagean

02/07/2026

Our song! https://youtu.be/YoF6NKaThUA?si=1kzli1KVJRfWeGc4

Music video of "Canadian Heroes", written for the Canadian Forces Troops. Check out: www.canadianheroes.com This new song for the Canadian Troops is amazing!!

02/06/2026

R.E.D. Friday.. Remember Everyone Deployed.. today we remember Gunner Sebastian Halmagean.. Lest we forget 🍁

02/05/2026

https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/dbancaster/obituaries/gunner-sebastian-cristian-halmagean/155193.html

View Gunner Sebastian Cristian Halmagean’s obituary and additional information. Share your memories and condolences.

02/04/2026

Arriving at the Coroners Office in Toronto.............thanks SM for this.

02/04/2026

Last Flight Home

Through winter's grey and falling snow,
On wings that bear a nation's sorrow,
He comes at last to hallowed ground
The runway where our heroes are found.
Gear down on short final, Runway Two-Four,
Trenton opens her arms once more.
The approach lights glow like sentinels bright,
Guiding a soldier through his final flight.
No turbulence can touch him now,
No enemy, no fight, no vow undone
Just the steady hum of engines strong,
Bringing a Canadian son back home where he belongs.
Below, the reeds stand tall and still,
The frozen earth, the iron will
Of those who wait along the Highway's line,
With flags and tears and love a sacred sign.
Gunner Halmagean, your duty's through,
The skies of Trenton welcome you.
From distant lands where you gave your all,
You answered your country's final call.
Rest now, soldier. You are home.
No more foreign fields to roam.
Canada holds you, strong and true
Her final flight was made for you.

In honour of Gunner Sebastian Halmagean brought home on the wings of a grateful nation. - Chris Ecklund photo credit to Christopher Reid.