Sgt. Darby Morin Mourned By Hundreds At Big River
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 at 14:11
A fallen soldier is being remembered today on the Big River First Nation.
Earlier this morning, around 300 people clustered around the casket of Sgt. Darby Morin on the playing field outside the Big River high school.
Morin’s casket sat draped with the U.S. flag, behind a large picture of him in uniform.
Soldiers from both the U.S. and Canadian militaries sat in chairs flanking the casket, and a large number of dignitaries from both countries — the one where he was born, and the one in whose military he served — praised Morin for his time of service.
FSIN Chief Lawrence Joseph, who like Vice-Chief Lyle Whitefish was one of Morin’s uncles, said Morin was restless as a youngster, and believed in something bigger than himself.
“I feel a loss, but I am also extremely, extremely proud, for a young man that literally brings nations together, today here on this humble reserve,” Joseph said.
Premier Brad Wall, who also attended today’s service, said he is deeply touched by the young sergeant’s sacrifice, although he is saddened that Morin will not be able to watch his sons Christian and Blue Sky grow up.
“We do not talk often about lives that are safer here today, and in North America today, because of Darby — because of what he was prepared to do, because of what Private Whitehead (a soldier with the Canadian military who died in a rollover on the Big River reserve the same day Morin died) was prepared to do, because of the thousands of women and men that are prepared to stand in the gap.
“And that is the reason I felt guilt at my son’s football practice. It’s the reason I still feel a little guilt today — because Darby will never have a chance to watch Christian or Blue Sky at a football practice or in a hockey game, or in a school play. Why? Because he was prepared to protect my sons’ lives,” Wall said.
Meantime, a two-star general from the U.S. military also made the trip up for the event, saying that Morin put the mission first, and he would never be forgotten.
A young officer who spent time with Morin in Afghanistan described Morin as a great officer, but an even greater person.
Addressing Morin’s widow, Veronica, and their sons, 1st Sgt. John Roome said they had “gained 131 brothers” — the members of Morin’s battalion.
Roome then moved to stand in front of Veronica Morin, giving her a slow, sombre salute before embracing her.