Giant flag serves as backdrop for Calgary funeral of soldier killed in Kandahar

Pte. Chad Horn died Sept. 3 along with two comrades while on a patrol during an attack by the Taliban. He would have turned 22 on Oct. 14.

More than 700 people turned out to say goodbye at First Alliance Church in Calgary.

"Chad will be forever loyal to his country. His newest tattoo which he got while over in Europe was of a Maple Leaf," chuckled high school buddy Zach Jilg. "Let me tell you, he walked around wearing it proudly on his chest, even though the police in Paris insisted he keep his shirt on.

"His other tattoos read, 'strength' and 'honour'," Jilg continued.

"On his back, in big letters, 'For those I love I will sacrifice.' This is Chad's way of defining himself to the world - that he was ready to lay down his life for his family, for his country that he held so close to his heart."

Jilg drew laughter from the crowd about how Horn threw himself into everything he would do including dancing and how he had the need for speed when it came to driving.

"He liked to go fast on the highway. That's how Chad lived - he wanted to feel free, with the wind whipping through his hair and the adrenaline coursing through his veins," he remembered.

"I remember Chad as a brother, too. I am so grateful for the all the time we spent together."

A slideshow showed Horn mugging into the camera while hanging with friends and family, detailed his progress through basic training and posing in the back of a light armoured vehicle, holding a rifle, in what soldiers refer to in Afghanistan as a "hero pose."

Appropriately, a giant Canadian flag was strung up between the ladders of two fire trucks as mourners turned out for the service.

"Chad told me the jaunts he had in high school seemed to revolve around helping others," said Padre Al Lewis. "To help others you often have to give of yourself and at times that can be a sacrifice. He joined the army because of the opportunities to help others."

Horn died when his armoured vehicle was attacked during a patrol in the Zhari district Sept. 3. Two of his comrades, Cpl. Andrew Grenon and Cpl. Mike Seggie, were also killed. Five other soldiers were injured in the attack, one of them critically.

Seggie was buried Saturday in Winnipeg. Grenon was laid to rest in Windsor, Ont., on Friday.

Pte. Tyler Hebenton said he was honoured to call Horn his "best friend." The two not only went to high school together but worked together for a year before signing up and found themselves stationed in Shiloh, Man., as well.

"I think we both felt we wanted to do something good with our lives," said Hebenton quietly. "I can honestly say, without a doubt, he was the most amazing person I ever met. With everything he just seemed to be energetic and happy to be doing it. He would just get the job done.

"Rest in peace brother. Thanks for everything you've done."