The City of Windsor proudly places in nomination the name of 15 year-old Matthew Charbonneau. Matthew will carry the torch in memory of his brother, Cpl. Andrew Paul Grenon who died on active service near the village of Pashmul in Zharey District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan on 3 September 2008. Andrew belonged to the Second Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group serving in Afghanistan. Corporal Grenon and two other soldiers were killed during a firefight with insurgents when their vehicle was struck by an anti-armour weapon. This was Cpl. Grenon’s second tour of duty in Afghanistan.
Cpl. Grenon’s life and legacy truly embodies the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay vision: a unifying journey that lights the land, generates pride in our nation and celebrates the possible.
Cpl. Grenon is a symbol of excellence, inspiration, accomplishment and peace. Andrew demonstrated his leadership qualities as a student in high school, advocating for peace and respect for diversity. He is described by his peers as having a Warrior’s heart, a brave soldier who absolutely believed in the Afghanistan mission, and who died doing what he loved – helping people. Corporal Grenon was a proud and dedicated soldier who was highly respected by his commanders and the soldiers he served with. He received the Canadian Expeditionary Force Commander’s Commendation in Afghanistan.
Andrew’s quiet effort to care for his fellow human beings - demonstrated by his devotion and actions - speaks volumes and serves to remind people how he made life better for others. As a compassionate advocate for peace, Andrew was not afraid to defend the rights of those who could not defend themselves. People who have borne witness to the abuse of the world’s most vulnerable, the abuse of the most poor, and theft from the most deprived, and said – that’s not right. Andrew stood up for them. He chose to stay. He chose to help women without rights, to help children who had lost their parents and the elderly, the sick, the disabled, those who needed protection. He chose to stay. He chose to give. He chose to serve not only Canada, but to serve mankind. To make the world a better place, abroad and here at home.
In selecting Matthew Charbonneau as the torchbearer, Andrew’s legacy lives on. A loving brother will not be in the shadow of a hero, Matthew will be front and centre, able to share the “Windsor story” and pay tribute to Andrew’s contributions – that of courage, dedication and honour in service of his community and country. This is the Windsor way.
Throughout our proud history, the City of Windsor has witnessed hundreds of occasions upon which love of country and pride in duty have been demonstrated in the most moving and respectful of ways; but surely, seldom has there been a more heartfelt display of respect and affection than that accorded to Cpl. Andrew Grenon on the day of his funeral, Friday, September 12, 2008. Thousands watched and stood in silent pride as we said farewell to Andrew.
We can think of no one better that exemplifies the values, compassion and love of community and country than the late Cpl. Andrew Grenon and it is for these reasons and so many more that we nominate Andrew’s brother, Matthew Charbonneau, to carry the Olympic Torch Relay on behalf of the City of Windsor and in Cpl. Grenon’s memory.
