For the first time in more than half a century, a small community in Nova Scotia has added the name of a young soldier to the local war memorial.

Pte. Richard Green, 21, was one of four Canadians killed in April when a U.S. fighter jet attacked them by mistake during a night-training exercise near Kandahar. Two American pilots have since been charged with involuntary manslaughter, assault and dereliction of duty.

Green, from Mill Cove, N.S., was a member of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. The regiment was sent to Afghanistan to help in the U.S.-led campaign against terrorism.

Plaque unveiled Saturday

• FROM SEPT. 13, 2002: U.S. pilots charged in deaths of Canadian soldiers

• FROM OCT. 27, 2002: Canadian played command role in 'friendly fire' deaths

A black plaque bearing Green's name was unveiled on the weekend by his mother, Doreen Coolen.

Doreen Coolen

"I pray that there are no more names put on that plaque," she said, struggling to hold back tears. "It's so important that we never, never forget."

Saturday's service was scheduled more than a week before Remembrance Day because Coolen will be in Ottawa laying a wreath at the National War Memorial on Nov. 11.

She will be this year's National Silver Cross Mother, who will represent all Canadian women who have lost sons or daughters in a combat zone.

"I'll do my best to make all the mothers proud who have lost sons and daughters in past wars," Coolen said.