Sudbury mother’s heavy burden made easier by Legion support

Wendy Miller Ealdama of Sudbury knows the meaning of Nov. 11 more than most. Her son, Pte. Andrew Miller, was killed while serving in the Canadian Army in Afghanistan in the years following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He died 16 years ago at the age of 21. (Madison Marier/CTV News)

Hundreds gathered at Sudbury Arena on Thursday for Remembrance Day ceremonies, a time to reflect and remember those who served and sacrificed.

Among them was this year’s Silver Cross Mother, Wendy Miller Ealdama, who knows the meaning of Nov. 11 more than most.

Her son, Pte. Andrew Miller, was killed while serving in the Canadian Army in Afghanistan in the years following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He died 16 years ago at the age of 21.

“It’s a heavy burden you carry,” his mother said.

“You get very good at making it look OK. Not this day being very heavy-hearted, it’s the day after, the day before, the day he was killed in June.”

She says although the title of Silver Cross Mother can weigh heavy on her heart, local Royal Canadian Legions make sure she never feels alone.

“Everybody has their cross to bear,” Miller Ealdama said.

“You’re a Silver Cross Mother and it helped with the day and helped moving forward because they’re always there, even on the day after, even the day before. The veterans are always there for us.”

She remembered on Remembrance Day ceremony at Memorial Park when someone asked, ‘What’s the hardest part of the ceremony?’ Miller Ealdama said, “

“Being alone,” she replied.

“All the women came up with me … I had no idea they were coming up behind me, and then I turned around, and they were there.”

This year, she was accompanied by her partner and members of Legion local branches 76 and 564.

“They’ve been with us since the day Andrew was killed,” said Miller Ealdama.

“Legion (564) made us lifetime members. I mean, I love all the Legions -- it’s allegiance, a legion. So it’s nice when everybody comes together and they support you.”

She ended by saying everyone at Legion usually shakes hands -- but she hugs them.