The Van Doos in Afghanistan is a documentary that propels you directly into the heart of the action among the soldiers serving with the Royal 22e Régiment. In this clip, the soldiers gather for a minute of silence in memory of Corporal Yannick Scherrer, their comrade-in-arms. His coffin is carried onto the plane that will fly him home to his final resting place.
Ages 15 to 18
Civics/Citizenship - Citizen Responsibilities
Family Studies/Home Economics - Aging/Death and Dying
Social Studies - Canada in the World Today
The loss of a comrade can be a traumatic experience for members of the military. Ask students to think about what might be going through the soldiers’ minds during the minute of silence (0:55) and discuss what coping strategies might be effective in dealing with this type of loss. Corporal Scherrer was not quite 25 years old when he lost his life: ask students what they would do if they knew they only had 10 years left to live.