Trenton to parade for troops

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TORONTO -- The mayor of the Trenton, Ont. which was rocked when police accused a top military officer of being a serial rapist and killer is inviting the community to parade in support of the troops.

Quinte West Mayor John Williams, who oversees an area that includes Trenton, issued a statement before the funeral of Jessica Lloyd calling for residents to show up for a “military appreciation rally” next Saturday.

Starting at 10 a.m. at Bain Park, on the corner of Hwy. 2 and RCAF Rd., marchers will end up at the busy highway’s entrance to CFB Trenton, Canada’s largest military transportion base.

The arrest of 8 Wing commander Col. Russ Williams last Sunday — the day before Lloyd’s body, missing 11 days — was found near the village of Tweed, prompted some media reports about antagonism towards people in uniform. But such responses are limited and uncalled for, sat residents in the military town.

“We encourage everyone to come out and show their support to the men and women of the military and their families,” Mayor Williams said in his notice, calling the parade “neighbours supporting neighbours.”

Williams, who regularly met with the colonel but is not related to him, urged participants “bring your flags, signs and personal support.”

At Lloyd’s funeral in Belleville Saturday, her cousin appealed for support for the military, telling 300 people who came to a funeral home chapel not to turn away or denigrate anyone in uniform,

John Lloyd said “we’re a military family.”

Outside, as a handful of people who couldn’t get into the packed service listened to the service over loud speakers, Belleville Transit buses rolled by with “Support our Troops” on digital displays.

A small contingent from the base joined mourners for the 40-minute service, including Lt.-Col. Dave Murphy, acting 8 Wing commander until a replacement takes over this week, and Wing Chief Warrant Officer Kevin West, the accused wing boss’s assistant.

They were joined by Belleville Police Chief Cory McMullan, Det.-Insp. Mike Graham, several OPP officers and Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis.

Relatives were asked not to speak to the media, but in a brief interview, the slain transportation company worker’s only sibling, Andy Lloyd, told The Toronto Sun the family would release a statement “later this week.”

Wearing his crisp uniform, Toronto Police Const. Scott Blakely — Andy’s longtime friend — returned to the city where he grew up to pay respects.

Struggling for words, Blakely said “I grew up with Andy and Jessica. I was friends with Andy and she was the little sister who tagged along.”