10/22/2026
Today we remember and honour Corporal Nathan Cirillo, who was killed twelve years ago today by an Islamic terrorist while standing guard on ceremonial sentry duty at the Canadian National War Memorial in Ottawa.
On October 22nd, 2014, Corporal Nathan Frank Cirillo, aged 24, a Class A reservist with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, (Princess Louise's), based in Hamilton, Ontario, a chosen member of the Ceremonial Guard on sentry duty at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial, was fatally shot in the back by a lone gunman. The Islamic terrorist was later shot and killed during an exchange of gunfire with Parliamentary Security Staff after storming Parliament Hill's Centre Block.
Corporal Nathan Cirillo's tragic murder brought an emotional reaction across the country. As his remains were brought from Ottawa to Hamilton, thousands of people stood along highways to honour him. His funeral in Hamilton was done in full military honours and attended by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and several other politicians.
“May his son, young Marcus Daniel Cirillo, someday find comfort in the fact that our entire country looks up to his dad with pride, with gratitude, with deep abiding respect,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
The fatal attack against Cirillo came just two days after an ISIL-inspired terrorist drove his car into two Canadian Armed Forces soldiers in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec. Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent died from his injuries, while the other soldier survived.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered the following remarks concerning the tragic deaths of Corporal Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent.
“My fellow Canadians, for the second time this week there has been a brutal and violent attack on our soil.
“Today, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Corporal Nathan Cirillo of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada.
“Corporal Cirillo was killed today – murdered in cold blood – as he provided a ceremonial Honour Guard at Canada’s National War Memorial.
“That sacred place that pays tribute to those who gave their lives so that we can live in a free, democratic and safe society.
“Likewise, our thoughts and prayers remain also with the family and friends of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, who was killed earlier this week by an ISIL-inspired terrorist.
“Tonight we also pray for the speedy recovery of the others injured in these despicable attacks.
“Fellow Canadians, we have also been reminded today of the compassionate and courageous nature of so many Canadians.
“Like those private citizens and first responders who came to provide aid to Corporal Cirillo as he fought for his life.
“And of course the members of our security forces in the RCMP, the City of Ottawa Police, and in Parliament who came quickly, and at great risk to themselves, to assist those of us who were close to the attack.
“Fellow Canadians, in the days to come, we will learn more about the terrorist and any accomplices he may have had.
“But this week’s events are a grim reminder that Canada is not immune to the types of attacks we have seen elsewhere around the world.
“We are also reminded that attacks on our security personnel and our institutions of governance are, by their very nature, attacks on our country.
“On our values, on our society, on us, Canadians, as a free and democratic people who embrace human dignity for all.
“But let there be no misunderstanding.
"We will not be intimidated.
"Canada will never be intimidated.
“In fact, this will lead us to strengthen our resolve and redouble our efforts and those of our national security agencies to take all necessary steps to identify and counter threats, and keep Canada safe here at home.
“Just as it will lead us to strengthen our resolve and redouble our efforts to work with our allies around the world and fight against the terrorist organizations who brutalize those in other countries with the hope of bringing their savagery to our shores.
“They will have no safe haven.
“While today has been, without question, a difficult day, I have every confidence that Canadians will pull together with the kind of firm solidarity that has seen our country through many challenges.
“Together, we will remain vigilant against those at home or abroad who wish to harm us.
“For now, Laureen, Ben, Rachel and I join all Canadians in praying for those touched by today’s attack.
“May God bless them, and keep our land glorious and free.”
As a result of this tragedy, the Government of Canada introduced the 2015 Anti-Terrorism Act.
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Nathan Frank Cirillo was born in Hamilton, Ontario on December 23rd, 1989. Nathan was an enthusiastic reservist who hoped for a long career in the Canadian Forces. A single father with an infectious smile, friends say he’d wanted to be a full-time soldier since the age of 13. The 24-year-old was a corporal with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in Hamilton, where he grew up and was raising his six-year-old son.
Those who knew him said he could often be spotted walking Hamilton’s downtown streets dressed in full Argyll regalia. He was very proud of the uniform. A former bouncer at a popular nightclub, Nathan was known as much for his imposing six-foot, 250-lb. frame as he was for his wit. He’d recently quit working nights in order to pursue a career in the military.
Cirillo was a part-time reservist looking to set himself apart from his peers by picking up extra duties around his local armoury. He and another reservist had recently been selected to stand guard at the cenotaph, “an honour” which Lt.-Col. Lawrence Hatfield of the Argylls said was bestowed on them because they were among the regiment’s top soldiers.
It is believed Cirillo’s honorary deployment to Ottawa was to last from October 13th until November 11th, Remembrance Day. Friends say Cirillo enthusiastically left for Ottawa hoping the experience of standing guard over this country’s most sacred war monument would demonstrate his devotion to the service.
A former cadet, Cirillo joined the Argylls reserve regiment while still a student. Many of those closest to him were also members of the regiment, including Brendan Stevenson, with whom he’d deployed to Ottawa to stand guard by the grave of the unknown soldier. It is believed that Stevenson was by Cirillo’s side when he was gunned down.
“Nathan was very proud of being associated with the military,” says Danielle Townsend, a friend who met him at Hamilton’s Sherwood Secondary School. She and others say Cirillo’s motivations for joining the military were anything but political. “He wanted to help people. I remember in high school he kept saying he wanted to go to Afghanistan.”
Friends from his high school days say they believe the military gave him a sense of belonging and recalled that he’d eat army rations at school and tell classmates that his lunch was the same as what the guys in the field were eating.
An animal lover, Cirillo had at least two dogs and had recently rescued an abandoned puppy and nursed it back to health. “He was just a great guy,” says Townsend.
Cirillo was also a motorcycle enthusiast who gave up his bike after a serious accident left him in hospital. He had two sisters and is said to have been very close with his family.
Cirillo was a single father, raising his son with the help of his mother. Known as someone who enjoyed being out with friends, he met the mother of his son, Marcus, at the Ancaster Fair while in his teens. Friends recalled how much Cirillo enjoyed just lying on the floor playing with with his son and his toys. “He adored his boy,” says Jason Melnyk, who spent countless hours with Cirillo at a local gym.
Canada will forever remember Nathan Cirillo as a soldier who died serving his country, and his family will too, but they'll also remember a gallant young man who loved his dogs and the people around him.
Hamilton honoured Corporal Cirillo’s memory by naming one of his favourite places after him, the "Nathan Cirillo Leash-Free dog park" in the Meadowlands in Ancaster. The area was renamed during a ceremony in October 2015.
Nathan Frank Cirillo, loving father of Marcus Daniel Cirillo. Beloved son of Katherine Cirillo and Victor Briffa. Dear brother of Nicole Cirillo (Richard Schmith) and Natasha Cirillo (Jonathon Tuckman). Cherished uncle to Cameron. He is also dearly remembered by his favourite Aunt Teresa, along with his other relatives, friends, and his military family. Nathan also left behind his beloved dogs, Jagger, Maya, and Kaya.
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Corporal Cirillo’s cousin, Jenny Holland, was among those who spoke at Corporal Cirillo’s funeral service. Below is a transcript of her remarks.
"Nathan has become Canada’s hero.
To our family, he is a son, a father, brother, uncle, nephew and cousin. And we would like to share a few of our memories of him.
"Right from the start, we knew that Nathan was special. He was always full of excitement and we never knew what his next adventure would be, from coming home covered in mud after playing paintball to surprising us with his motorcycle.
"Even as a child, Nathan spent his summer days waking up early, bursting to go outside to meet his friends. His contagious smile and endless laughter were some of the reasons why he made friends so easily.
"When asking our family for stories they would like to share about Nathan, there were so many special memories it was impossible to share them all.
"One funny memory was an Easter egg hunt when Nathan was the smart one that grabbed a wagon to run around with, so that he could get the most treats in the quickest time. Well, some of our other cousins were whining.
"Some of you may not be aware that Nathan was meticulous. Not only was he a well-groomed man, he was very particular about his belongings. Everything had its own place. Nathan was a dishwasher pro. He would rearrange the entire dishwasher to perfectly place every dish to his standards. But it’s no wonder he was like this as his mom was his original drill surgeon. After all, it was quoted by the mayor that her house is as clean as a whip. Nathan had a genuine interest in military history and a love for the outdoors. With his boundless energy, it was no surprise to his loved ones when he became a cadet.
"As a family, it was an absolute joy watching Nathan grow from an eager cadet to a dedicated corporal. Aside from his devotion to the Argylls, Nathan was sincere and respectful, especially to elders. He never hesitated to help, whether it was carrying in groceries or opening a door, he was always willing to lend a hand.
"Nathan may have looked like a big tough man, but he was such a kid at heart. It was beautiful to see the joy he had while playing with his son. Marcus adored him so much. Not only was Nathan his dad, he was also his friend.
"Growing up, Nathan, Nicole and Natasha may have fought like cats and dogs, like most families do. But the three of them did everything together. Every year, they looked forward to their trip to Darien Lake, a family reunion and celebrating birthdays and holidays together. These are the family values and ideals that were instilled to them by their mom and Vic.
"There was always a dog in the Cirillo home. Even though they were only little poodles, Nathan couldn’t wait to get his own place so he could get a real dog. You know, the kind that shed and drool and walk you. Kaya and Jagger were extremely lucky to have been trained and deeply loved by Nathan.
"I hope that when we think of Nathan, these are some of the things that we remember."
–Compiled by Mr. Sean Wilson.
🇨🇦 NE OBLIVISCARIS, SANS PEUR 🇨🇦
"Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities, because it is the quality that guarantees all others." –Winston Churchill
"Greater love hath no man than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." –John 15:13
🇨🇦 LEST WE FORGET 🇨🇦
