Canada's Peacekeepers Honoured for their Service

News Release

The Honourable John Duncan Participates in National Peacekeepers' Day Ceremony in Victoria

Reference 14088E

August 9, 2014 – Victoria, British Columbia – Veterans Affairs Canada

On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Minister of State John Duncan and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, joined members of the British Columbia Chapter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association and members from Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, at the B.C. Legislature Building for a National Peacekeepers' Day ceremony.

This year marks the 50^th year of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations in Cyprus. Canada's contribution has not been without sacrifice—28 Canadian personnel lost their lives serving as part of the mission.

Quick Facts

National Peacekeepers' Day was first established in 2008, and August 9^th was chosen to coincide with the greatest single-day loss of Canadian lives on a peacekeeping mission. It was on August 9th, 1974, that all nine Canadian peacekeepers aboard a United Nations-marked Canadian transport aircraft were killed during a regular resupply mission in the Middle East when their plane was shot down by Syrian missiles.
More than 125,000 Canadians have served on peacekeeping missions over the past six decades—a record unsurpassed by any nation.
Since the late 1940s, Canadian peacekeepers have served overseas in a variety of United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and other multinational task forces.

Quotes

"Today we come together to honour Canadian peacekeepers and mark their significant contributions to peacekeeping missions throughout the world. On behalf of all Canadians, I extend our nation's profound gratitude for the achievements, courage, and commitment of Canada's peacekeepers, as well as our steadfast support for all Canadian Veterans and their families."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs

"Canadian peacekeepers, from our men and women in military uniform to our police officers, diplomats and aid workers, have proudly served wherever they have been needed. They bring hope and security to individuals who have only known fear and violence. Our government is grateful for their service and dedication to ensuring that troubled regions, across the globe, live in peace and freedom."
The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North

"Peacekeeping is a unique opportunity for the military to utilize their war like training and service for the cause of world peace. National Peacekeepers' Day demonstrates that the price of peace is not cheap."
Jim MacMillan-Murphy, President, B.C. Chapter Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association

Associated Links

Government of Canada to Mark 50^th Anniversary of Canadian Mission in Cyprus
National Peacekeepers' Day
Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association
Peacekeeping Day (Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping)

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Contacts

Ashlee Smith
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649

Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468

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Canada's Peacekeepers Honoured for their Service

News Release

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