    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [April 18, 2002]
    [Pages 638-639]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of Canadian Troops in Afghanistan
    April 18, 2002

        All Americans are deeply saddened by the deaths yesterday of four
    brave Canadian military personnel in Afghanistan and by the injuries
    sustained by eight others. I immediately expressed to Prime Minister
    Chretien my deepest sorrow and sympathy at
    this tragic accident. Canada's fallen heroes and their families are in
    our hearts and prayers.
        Canada is a vital member of a mighty coalition against terrorism and
    hatred. It is shouldering great burdens and making

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    tremendous sacrifices to make the world a safer place for all people. It
    is doing so in defense of the values that define the Canadian nation and
    that unite our two peoples.
        As I told the Prime Minister, we will work
    together with Canada in a thorough and timely investigation to determine
    exactly how yesterday's tragedy in Afghanistan occurred. We will draw
    every possible lesson from what happened and do everything we can to
    protect coalition forces engaged in this vitally important mission.