Earlier this month, a Liberal motion, supported by all federal opposition parties, was passed requiring the government to lower the Canadian flag on Parliament Hill to half-staff each time a Canadian soldier is killed in the line of duty while on an overseas mission.
The lowering of the flag is a symbol of mourning and respect that communicated a great loss to the nation.
Many parents of fallen soldiers are presented with the lowered flag and maintain it as a cherished reminder of the sacrifice their son or daughter made for their country.