A ceremony on March 12 at the BC Afghanistan Memorial in Victoria will commemorate the 11th anniversary of the end of Canada’s mission in Afghanistan. Organized by the BC Veterans Remembrance Association, it will honor the 159 Canadian Armed Forces members and eight civilians who lost their lives. The event aims to foster community involvement and public remembrance of these sacrifices.
On March 12, a modest ceremony will honor the 11th anniversary of the conclusion of Canada’s 13-year military mission in Afghanistan, situated at the British Columbia Afghanistan Memorial in Victoria. Retired Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Paone, recalling his last day in Kabul, described the previous commemorative events as understated affairs, emphasizing respect over spectacle, with gatherings often characterized by simple acts, such as flag-lowering ceremonies followed by communal refreshments.
This year’s gathering, organized by the BC Veterans Remembrance Association, aims to foster community involvement. Attendees will include representatives from the Canadian Forces, military and civilian police, and veterans, all coming together to honor the memory of 159 Canadian Armed Forces members and eight civilians who perished during the mission. The ceremony will feature poignant elements, including the Last Post, a two-minute silence, and the Act of Remembrance.
This observance builds upon a more elaborate commemorative event last year, which highlighted the significant contributions of over 40,000 Canadians deployed in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014—the country’s longest military engagement since World War II. Paone expressed concerns that the sacrifices made during this mission might be forgotten, drawing parallels to the Korean War and stressing the importance of remembrance.
The ceremony’s theme emphasizes community inclusion, as dignitaries will read names of the deceased alongside local community members and veterans who experienced loss. Paone underscored the significance of public remembrance, stating, “If you say the name out loud they will never be forgotten.”
Amidst the ongoing sacrifices of military members, which continue beyond the Afghanistan conflict, retired Lieutenant Commander Gerald Pash lamented the fading public engagement surrounding military commemorations. He noted that the relationship between civilians and military personnel has diminished, particularly as much of the current population was born post-World War II.
Participants are encouraged to attend the ceremony at the B.C. Afghanistan Memorial, located at the intersection of Courtney and Quadra streets, at 6:45 p.m. on March 12. The memorial is a part of a larger remembrance framework, including the In the Service of Canada Book of Remembrance, which honors the sacrifice of the Canadian Armed Forces since 1947, including those who died on active duty and during training exercises.
The upcoming ceremony in Victoria on March 12 signifies an essential moment of remembrance for Canadian sacrifices during the Afghanistan mission. Organizing efforts by the BC Veterans Remembrance Association reflect a commitment to community involvement and public acknowledgment of military sacrifices. As the nation continues to engage in remembrance, acknowledging these contributions will remain crucial to sustaining collective memory and honor for those who served.
Original Source: www.todayinbc.com
