A ceremony on March 12 will commemorate the 11th anniversary of the end of Canada’s mission in Afghanistan, honoring the memory of 159 Armed Forces members and eight civilians who died during the mission. The event, organized by the BC Veterans Remembrance Association, aims to foster community engagement and ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten. Attendees will gather for a respectful remembrance featuring the Last Post and readings of the names of the fallen.
A solemn ceremony will mark the 11th anniversary of the conclusion of Canada’s 13-year mission in Afghanistan, reminiscent of the service retired Lt.-Col. Paul Paone attended on his last day in Kabul. “It was typical Canadian low-key, no fanfare, no marching band ceremony,” Paone stated, recalling the lowering of the flag and a brief gathering before departing by helicopter.
On March 12, a commemorative event will take place at the British Columbia Afghanistan Memorial to honor the 159 Canadian Armed Forces members and eight civilians who lost their lives during this mission. Paone emphasized the desire to maintain a respectful atmosphere, stating, “We want to keep it as the same as we had, (a) quiet, respectful get together.”
Organized by the newly established BC Veterans Remembrance Association, the ceremony will feature the Last Post, a moment of silence, and the Act of Remembrance. Last year’s event was the first to honor the over 40,000 Canadians deployed over the course of the mission, the country’s longest conflict since World War II. “We do not want Afghanistan to be like Korea and become Canada’s second or third forgotten war” – Paone.
The theme for this year emphasizes community involvement, where dignitaries and notable community members will read the names of those fallen, alongside veterans who lost friends in the conflict. Paone remarked, “The memorial is more than just there for the veterans… It’s about reading the names. If you say the name out loud they will never be forgotten.”
As Canadians witnessed numerous military funerals throughout the conflict, the legacy endures, with ongoing sacrifices by military personnel. Gerald Pash, a retired lieutenant commander, emphasized the importance of recognizing these ongoing sacrifices despite a perceived decline in public engagement since the Afghanistan mission.
The ceremony is scheduled for March 12 at 6:45 p.m. at the B.C. Afghanistan Memorial, located at Courtney and Quadra streets. There are eight tomes dedicated to the deceased housed in the Memorial Chamber in the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill, where the Service of Canada Book of Remembrance lists the names of over 1,900 fallen Armed Forces members injured during service since October 1, 1947. This book was established on November 11, 2005, with a subsequent volume for names from 2015 onward.
The event on March 12 aims to commemorate the sacrifices of Canadian forces in Afghanistan and reinforce the significance of community remembrance. It serves as both a tribute to those who lost their lives and a reminder to ensure that their contributions are never forgotten. Through participation and acknowledgment, the legacies of these individuals will remain alive in the hearts and minds of Canadians.
Original Source: www.peninsulanewsreview.com
