Victoria Ceremony Commemorates Sacrifices of Afghan Mission Veterans
On March 12, a ceremony will commemorate the 11th anniversary of Canada’s Afghanistan mission at the BC Afghanistan Memorial. Organized by the BC Veterans Remembrance Association, the event aims to honor the 159 Canadian Armed Forces members and eight civilians who died during the operation, fostering community remembrance through name readings and other respectful acts.
A commemorative ceremony marked the 11th anniversary of Canada’s conclusion of its 13-year mission in Afghanistan. Retired Lt.-Col. Paul Paone reflected on the solemnity of the previous ceremonies, emphasizing their understated nature: “It was typical Canadian low-key, no fanfare, no marching band ceremony” – Victoria News.
This year’s event on March 12 will take place at the British Columbia Afghanistan Memorial in Victoria. The atmosphere aims to be respectful and quiet, similar to previous gatherings.
Under the BC Veterans Remembrance Association, various groups including the Canadian Forces and veterans will honor the 159 Canadian Armed Forces members and eight civilians who lost their lives. Events include the last post, a moment of silence, and the Act of Remembrance.
Paone expressed concerns that the sacrifices made during Canada’s largest military engagement could fade from memory, stating, “We do not want Afghanistan to be like Korea and become Canada’s second or third forgotten war.”
This year’s ceremony encourages community involvement, with dignitaries and local figures reading the names of the deceased. Paone remarked, “The memorial is more than just there for the veterans… It’s about reading the names. If you say the name out loud they will never be forgotten.”
Over the course of the Afghanistan mission, Canada saw numerous military funerals, returning the remains of 167 service members and civilians in flag-draped caskets. Retired Lieutenant Commander Gerald Pash highlighted that while military sacrifices continue, public engagement has decreased since the Afghanistan conflict.
Pash pointed out that due to generational changes, contemporary civilians increasingly lack connections to service members, underscoring a diminishing dialogue between these groups.
The anniversary ceremony is scheduled for March 12 at 6:45 p.m. at the BC Afghanistan Memorial, located at Courtney and Quadra streets. Additionally, there are eight volumes commemorating the fallen, housed in the Memorial Chamber on Parliament Hill, a testament to ongoing remembrance efforts.
The 11th anniversary of Canada’s Afghanistan mission emphasizes the importance of remembrance, reflecting on the sacrifices made by military members and civilians. The upcoming ceremony underscores the ongoing need for community connection and acknowledgment of those who served. Initiatives like these are vital to ensure that the contributions and sacrifices of the Afghanistan mission are not forgotten, marking a commitment to honoring their legacy.
Original Source: www.peninsulanewsreview.com
