Afghanistan War Memorial Brings Memories Back For Chaplain

YELLOWKNIFE VIGIL ‘BRINGS IT ALL BACK’ FOR MILITARY CHAPLAIN
Yellowknife News Canada
OLLIE WILLIAMS
FEBRUARY 7, 2015

Things like the vigil’s opening ceremony are a reminder of that great support network we have, and give us a chance to grieve and honour at the same time, so you don’t keep the feelings all inside.

When Major Darren Persaud stood in front of plaques at the Afghanistan Memorial Vigil in Yellowknife, he saw more than faces.

Sadly, the military chaplain – after three tours of Afghanistan – knew many of those commemorated by the plaques only too well.

Here, as told to Moose FM on the day of the vigil’s opening ceremony, is how Major Persaud reflects on what the vigil meant to him.

I’ve served for 12 years. I was in Afghanistan in 2004, 2008 and 2011, with the Air Force, Army and special forces.

When I look at a lot of the faces on the plaques at the vigil, I either was with them, or part of the chaplain team that would notify their families when they passed away overseas.

It’s really hard to even begin to talk about it.

I think, over time, I got better at coping with talking to the families. Not that it’s ever easy, but you really have to understand how to take care of yourself by creating a great support network, which I’m very thankful to have – be it other chaplains, social workers, the medical professional or other soldiers themselves. It’s so important for us.

Things like the vigil’s opening ceremony are a reminder of that great support network we have, and give us a chance to grieve and honour at the same time, so you don’t keep the feelings all inside.
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