Government of Canada reveals design for the National Monument to Canada’s Mission in Afghanistan
June 20, 2023 - Defence Stories
Author: Veterans Affairs Canada
Caption
Artist’s rendition of the monument design concept, ©Team Stimson
We are pleased to announce the selected design for the Monument to Canada's Mission in Afghanistan.
The design, developed by Team Stimson, draws on elements of healing from the Medicine Wheel and takes the form of a circular, sacred space of safety, a “home base” of reflection, memory and contemplation. It is made up of four portals, where an interior area is the sanctuary where the fallen are remembered. Inscribed on the walls of three of the quadrants is the year, names of the fallen and maple leaves, in several rows. The fourth southeast quadrant wall facing the direction of Afghanistan is dedicated to fallen Afghan Allies. In the centre, four bronze flak jackets stand draped on crosses—utilitarian yet poignant reminders of protection.
This Monument creates a powerful opportunity to honour and reflect, and to seek balance and healing, for all Canadians.
More than 40,000 Canadians in uniform and hundreds of civilians and government officials served in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014. While in Afghanistan, 158 Canadian Armed Forces members, a diplomat, four aid workers, a government contractor and a journalist lost their lives. Thousands of Canadian Armed Forces members and civilians were also injured—physically and psychologically.
The National Monument to Canada’s Mission in Afghanistan will recognize the commitment and sacrifice of the Canadians who served in Afghanistan, and the support provided to them at home by their families, peers and communities.
The next steps are the detailed development of the selected design, followed by the monument construction.
Thank you to those of you who completed the public online survey on five designs for the monument—over 10,000 Canadians responded. Veterans, their families and others who served on the mission represent the majority of the people who commented on the designs.
For more information on the monument, please visit veterans.gc.ca.
Canada remembers.