Edmonton and Sherwood Park rededicate war memorials to honour Afghanistan war veterans
June 21, 2021 - Western Sentinel
June 13 saw two Alberta municipalities commemorate the beginning of Canada’s involvement in the war in Afghanistan by adding the conflict to their war memorials.
In Edmonton the cenotaph at city hall was engraved with the word “Afghanistan” and the years “2001‑2014,” marking the 12 years Canada’s involvement in the conflict lasted. Meanwhile, in Sherwood Park the war memorial had a plaque added to it. At both ceremonies a trio of CH‑146 Griffons from 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron performed a flyover.
The rededication ceremonies come 20 years after Canada first sent troops to Afghanistan in what would become the longest military campaign in Canadian history.
Speaking at the Edmonton ceremony, Edmonton mayor Don Iveson called the day a time to remember and honour the memories of the Canadians killed in service to their country.
Caption
Aviator Chelsey Hulan and Corporal Paul Brousseau stand post at the Strathcona County cenotaph during the Rededication Ceremony for the Afghanistan War 2001-2014 at the County Office in Sherwood Park on June 13.
Photo by Pte Jessica R Vos, 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton Imaging
“Today as Edmontonians, once again as we do so well, we hold close our neighbours and our friends who lost family, friends and colleagues in Afghanistan,” he said. “Those whose hearts and spirits continue to bend under the burden of loss, as well as those who yet bear the scars of that conflict, and that trauma.”
Iveson added that the mayoral chain of office all Edmonton mayors wear features cap badges of local military units, a tangible reminder of the men and women who have defended Canada with their lives.
“I just want you to know it's been a tremendous honour to wear it at each of those acts of remembrance, including today,” he said. “I will remember. Edmonton remembers.”
Also in attendance at the ceremony was Alberta Lieutenant-Governor Salma Lakhani, who acknowledged the Afghanistan veterans continue to battle physical and mental scars.
“Although the mission has ended, the effects of the war for far too many continue today,” she said. “By adding Afghanistan’s fallen to the Edmonton cenotaph, we are ensuring that their invaluable service will continue to be celebrated today, and for generations to come.”
On the Edmonton cenotaph, the Afghanistan conflict joins the First World War, Second World War and the Korea War. In Sherwood Park, the war memorial also includes the Boer War from 1899 to 1901 and the Gulf War in 1991.
Over the 12 years of Canada’s involvement in the Afghanistan war, more than 40,000 soldiers, sailors and aviators spent time in the country for at least one tour. Thousands were injured, and 158 lost their lives.
Caption
Aviator Chelsey Hulan and Corporal Paul Brousseau stand post at the Strathcona County cenotaph while CH-146 Griffon Helicopters from 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron execute a fly past during the Cenotaph Rededication Ceremony for the Afghanistan War 2001-2014 at the County Office in Sherwood Park on June 13.
Photo by Pte Jessica R Vos, 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton Imaging
Caption
Strathcona County Mayor Rod Frank gives opening remarks and reads the Lieutenant-Governor's message during the Cenotaph Rededication Ceremony for the Afghanistan War 2001-2014 at the County Office in Sherwood Park on June 13.
Photo by Pte Jessica R Vos, 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton Imaging