The upcoming ceremony in Victoria commemorates the 11th anniversary of Canada’s end in Afghanistan, emphasizing respect and community involvement. Organized by the BC Veterans Remembrance Association, it will honor 159 Canadian Armed Forces members and eight civilians who died during the mission. The event underscores the importance of remembrance and aims to connect veterans with the community, ensuring that their sacrifices are not forgotten.
A ceremony is being held to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the end of Canada’s 13-year mission in Afghanistan. Retired Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Paone, who attended a similar service on his final day in Kabul, described it as a typical Canadian event, marked by simplicity. This year’s gathering will take place on March 12 at the British Columbia Afghanistan Memorial in Victoria, emphasizing a quiet and respectful atmosphere.
The event, organized by the recently formed BC Veterans Remembrance Association, will honor the 159 Canadian Armed Forces members and eight civilians who lost their lives during the mission. Activities will include a Last Post, two minutes of silence, a rouse, and the Act of Remembrance as a tribute to their sacrifices.
Last year’s inaugural commemoration sought to ensure that Canadians remember the over 40,000 individuals deployed to Afghanistan—a significant endeavor described as Canada’s largest and longest mission since the Second World War. Paone expressed concerns, stating, “We do not want Afghanistan to be like Korea and become Canada’s second or third forgotten war.”
The theme for this year incorporates community involvement, will feature dignitaries reading names of the fallen alongside local leaders, and includes two veterans who lost friends during the conflict. Paone highlighted that the memorial serves as a community monument and emphasized the importance of saying the names out loud to ensure the deceased are remembered.
Canada witnessed numerous military funerals over the 13-year mission, with 167 members and civilians repatriated in flag-draped caskets. Retired Lieutenant Commander Gerald Pash noted the ongoing sacrifice of military personnel and the necessity for the contemporary public to remain aware of the continued sacrifices since the Afghanistan conflict.
Over 2,000 individuals sustained injuries, and many suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, which has led to the deaths of additional personnel since the conflict ended. Paone is working with Veterans Affairs Canada to address the long-term impacts of these experiences on veterans.
Pash remarked about the disconnect between civilians and military personnel today, noting that 80 percent of Canadians were born after World War II, diminishing the conversation about military service. The event on March 12 at 6:45 PM at the B.C. Afghanistan Memorial aims to bridge this gap and honor those who served.
In conjunction with this ceremony, it is noteworthy that the Service of Canada Book of Remembrance lists the names of over 1,900 Canadian Armed Forces members who have died while serving since October 1, 1947, including those who served in Afghanistan.
The ceremony on March 12 serves as a crucial moment to honor and remember those who sacrificed their lives during Canada’s Afghanistan mission. With the involvement of community members and representatives, the event emphasizes the importance of remembrance and the continued support for veterans. Ensuring that the sacrifices made during this significant chapter in Canadian history are not forgotten remains a collective responsibility, reinforcing the bonds of community and respect for those who have served. It is essential to foster awareness and understanding of the ongoing sacrifices and challenges faced by veterans, ensuring that they are honored and recognized for their contributions to the nation.
Original Source: www.saanichnews.com
