Calgary, AB - The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada, accompanied by Brigadier General T.J. Grant, Commander of the Land Forces Western Area, and Colonel (retired) Don Ethell OC, OMM, MSC, OStJ, AOE, CD, of the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping (CAVNUP) today joined Veterans, community leaders, and members of the public in ceremonies honouring Canadians killed on peacekeeping missions around the world. Today's services also celebrate the service and contribution of Canadian Peackeepers throughout the world.
"We are here to commemorate the many sacrifices made by our Canadian Forces Veterans for the principles of freedom and security throughout the world. The actions of these brave men and women ensure that others can experience the freedom that we enjoy in Canada ," said Minister Thompson. "Ceremonies such as those held here today continue to keep the torch of remembrance burning bright for generations to come."
Today`s ceremony commemorated the sacrifice Canadian Peacekeepers made during peace support operations throughout the world. Their names have been inscribed into the Wall of Honour, including all Canadians who have died since the Wall of Honour was unveiled in 2004. The Wall of Honour, dedicated in 2004, also includes all of the Peacekeeping missions in which Canada has served or is currently serving.
Following the ceremonies, a reception was hosted by Canada Lands Company in honour of past and present peacekeepers.
"It is extremely important that we honour all Canadians killed in peacekeeping or peace support operations," said Don Ethell of CAVUNP. "August was selected because on August 9th 1974, nine Canadian peacekeepers were killed when their plane was shot down in Lebanon. This is the largest single day loss of Canadian troops on a peacekeeping or peace support operation."
Since the first United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) mission in 1956, Canadians continue have held a proud tradition of peacekeeping throughout the world, with 100 000 Canadian peacekeepers participating in over 50 missions.
For more information about Canada's peacekeepers and peacekeeping missions, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site.
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