The March 12 ceremony in Victoria will commemorate the 11th anniversary of Canada’s mission in Afghanistan, honoring 159 military and 8 civilian casualties. Organized by the BC Veterans Remembrance Association, the event will emphasize quiet remembrance and community involvement. It aims to ensure that the sacrifices made during this lengthy conflict are not forgotten, highlighting the need for continued recognition of military service.
On March 12, a solemn ceremony will commemorate the 11th anniversary of the conclusion of Canada’s extensive 13-year mission in Afghanistan. This event will be held at the British Columbia Afghanistan Memorial located at the intersection of Courtney and Quadra streets in Victoria. Retired Lt.-Col. Paul Paone, who attended a similar understated ceremony on his last day in Kabul, expressed the desire for this event to reflect that same sentiment of a quiet, respectful gathering.
Organized by the newly established BC Veterans Remembrance Association, the ceremony will honor the 159 Canadian Armed Forces members and eight civilians who lost their lives during the mission. Veterans, representatives from the Canadian Forces, and civilian and military police will commemorate this somber occasion with traditional elements including the last post, a moment of silence, and the Act of Remembrance.
Last year marked the inaugural celebration, which aimed to remind the public of the 40,000 Canadians deployed to Afghanistan, representing the nation’s longest military engagement since the Second World War. Mr. Paone remarked, “We were so terrified that Canada’s longest war… would be forgotten.” He emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by both military personnel and civilians during the conflict.
The theme for this year’s ceremony focuses on community involvement, with local dignitaries and veterans participating in the reading of names. Mr. Paone noted, “If you say the name out loud they will never be forgotten,” highlighting the memorial’s significance beyond veterans and bereaved families, as a monument for the entire community.
As the 13-year mission unfolded, Canadians witnessed numerous military funerals, bringing home the remains of 167 personnel in flag-covered coffins. Retired Lieutenant Commander Gerald Pash remarked on the ongoing nature of such sacrifices, urging continued recognition for those who serve despite public interest waning over time. 80 percent of Canadians born after the Second World War contribute to this disconnect, he observed.
The ceremony on March 12 will begin at 6:45 PM at the B.C. Afghanistan Memorial. Notably, the names of those who perished in the Afghanistan conflict are recorded in the Service of Canada Book of Remembrance, which honors over 1,900 members of the Canadian Armed Forces who have lost their lives while serving since October 1, 1947.
The upcoming ceremony represents a crucial effort to remember and honor the sacrifices of Canadians who served in Afghanistan, ensuring that their contributions do not fade from collective memory. Through community participation and remembrance, this event seeks to foster a greater understanding of the impacts of service and the ongoing sacrifices related to military engagements.
Original Source: www.interior-news.com
