At approximately 09:15Z on 30 August 2010, Cpl Pinksen died from hiswound in Landstull, Germany.Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement It is with utmost sorrow that I extend the condolences of all Canadians to the family and friends of Corporal Brian Pinksen, a brave soldier who died due to injuries sustained in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayersgo out to you at this time of loss.Canadians are grateful for his service and are proud of the contributionsof all the men and women in uniform.Our Government is showing leadership, alongside our international partners, in this ongoing effort to help the Afghan people achieve peace and stability. This UN-mandated, NATO-led mission is helping rebuild their country and its institutions.I join with all Canadians who stand behind our men and women of the Canadian Forces as they courageously risk their lives every day to bring positive change to the people of Afghanistan and to save lives.Corporal Pinksen served Canada valiantly, and deserves the gratitude and respect of his nation.

Memorial MassWe honour the memory of Cpl Brian Pinksen, a soldier on his first deployment in Afghanistan. Brian will be remembered for his positive attitude about all things in life. He enjoyed being in the Army and often said that it was a good decision for him to join when he did. He was very proud of his mother and appreciated everything she did for him while he was growing up. Brian acted as a father figure for his younger brothersand brought that same sense of caring to those he worked with. He wasconfident in his military tasks and always willing to lend a hand. Our hearts go out to all of his family ² his mother Debbie, brothers Brandon and Blair- and to his friends in this very difficult time.Soldiers know that the most important people in a battle are those on your left and on your right. Tonight we are thankful for soldiers like Brian who will continue on this deployment with us; watching at our sides.It is said that science can tell us why a bomb explodes; what effect it will have on the surrounding areas and even the exact causes of how someone can be killed by an explosion. But science cannot tell us how to deal with the loss of a friend; it cannot tell us how to stop the hurt and it cannot help us go back to that same land and continue with our task; only our faith and inner strength can support us through this time.As we honour Brian here tonight, let us remember the sacrifice that he poured into this mission. It is now our job to continue to train and to ensure that the torch he carried is securely passed on. May God give usthe strength to finish the race well, so that the people of Afghanistan may live in peace.The 23

Psalm is known as the Soldiers Prayer; listen to these words«(Preferred translation of the Psalm is read)