Ottawa, Ontario - 18 March 2014
The Government of Canada is committed to commemorating the strength and the sacrifices made by members of the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan, and to recognizing and supporting the friends and families of the fallen. To this end, on March 18, 2014, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that, in recognition and commemoration of Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan, May 9, 2014 has been declared a “National Day of Honour” by Royal Proclamation.
The National Day of Honour will be commemorated in Ottawa and across Canada with several events, including a parade that will begin at the CanadianWarMuseum in Ottawa, and travel along the Memorial Route to Parliament Hill. On that day, a moment of silence will be held across the country to reflect upon the sacrifices made during the mission.
In addition, from May 4 to 9, Canadians injured in Afghanistan will proudly pass the last Canadian flag flown in Afghanistan from Canadian Forces Base Trenton to the Afghanistan Commemoration Parade in Ottawa, in a relay of six cities in six days. The flag will then be presented to the Prime Minister.
The Afghanistan Memorial Vigil, constructed by our troops in Kandahar and repatriated to Canada, will also commemorate the hard work, dedication and sacrifice of the men and women during Canada’s mission in Afghanistan, and will recognize the support of military families, friends, and all Canadians. The Vigil will be on display in the Hall of Honour on Parliament Hill during the parade.
Canadians are encouraged to participate in events marking the National Day of Honour. Further information, educational materials for students, and an interactive learning centre will be available on Canada.ca in the coming weeks.
