Bravo Zulu Sergeant Smoky Smith

From the Amy Carmichael of Canadian Press via National Post (Hat tip to Neale News).

It was wrapped in a gold fringed Canadian flag and carried the remains of Canada's last Victoria Cross winner, Sgt. Ernest (Smoky) Smith. He died at home last week at the age of 91.

Members of his Seaforth Highlander Regiment [of Canada] staged a sombre ceremony on the runway, in front of his family members, as Smith's ashes were carried onto a Canadian Forces jet to be flown to Ottawa, where his remains will lie in state.

A bagpiper played while the doors to the hearse carrying Smith's remains were opened.

Eight highlanders hoisted the coffin on the blustery tarmac.

They walked down the runway through rows of Smith's regiment who stood at attention and past his family members as they wiped away tears. ....

Twenty four members of the Seaforth Highlanders Regiment escorted Smith's ashes to Ottawa and will hold a vigil at the House of Commons while his remains lie in state.

His willbe [sic] accorded a full military funeral on Saturday. His ashes will be spread at sea on Sunday.

Legion branches across Canada, in the United States and Europe lowered their flags to half-mast after Smith died at home in Vancouver on Aug. 3.

Well done true and faithful servant!