In 2001 Canada embarked on one of its longest combat missions when it joined a coalition of countries to invade Afghanistan. They would stay until 2014 when the mission ended having deployed over 40,000 people to the conflict and having lost 158 killed and countless others wounded physically and mentally.
To view the pictures, CLICK HERE:
On 10th March, 2024, the 10th Anniversary of the ending of Canada’s Combat Mission in Afghanistan was remembered at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. The day started out moderately cool with rain but the rain let up for the ceremony and stayed away until just after the guests had departed the Memorial when the temperature dropped a bit and a rain/snow mix started up. Paul Ledwell, Deputy Minister of Veterans’ Affairs Canada, was the Master of Ceremony for the event and noted that not only did Canadians fight in Afghanistan but they also established schools, helped form the new government, trained the Afghan army and police, and participated in humanitarian efforts such as digging wells, building schools and providing medical care leading to a 14 year increase in the average lifespan of Afghans. Despite the Taliban taking control of the country again in 2021, the democratic values live on in the people left behind.
There were speakers to address the guests, with first being the Minister of Veterans’ Affairs Canada, Ginette Petitpas Taylor followed by the Chief of the Defence Staff, LGen. Wayne Eyre and CWO Bob McCann, the Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer. CWO McCann noted that there are many bad memories from the Afghan war but there are also those that are good. Sharing tea with village elders stood out for him as did the starting of schools and making sure that girls received an education.
Gen. Eyre was in the ISAF compound in Kabul and saw the flag lowered as the Canadians were leaving. He asked if people thought the effort and cost “… was worth it?”. He said that “…[we] were there to make a difference. And [we] did. We did everything asked by the Government … served with valour and selflessness.”. He did note, however, that “… the solution was never going to be a military one.” and as such no military victory is celebrated but the effort and sacrifice is remembered.
Wreaths were laid by Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans’ Affairs Canada, on behalf of the Government of Canada; Marie Francois Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, on behalf of DND; Amy Meunier, Assistant Deputy-Minister of Commemorations and Public Affairs – Veterans’ Affairs Canada, on behalf of veterans; LGen Wayne Eyre, CDS, and CWO Bob McCann, CAF CWO, on behalf of the CAF; Joseph Burke on behalf of Canadian Veterans of Afghan Operations.
The final wreath was laid by Marcie Lane and Olivia Vernelli on behalf of families and loved ones. Of note, Marcie Lane is the wife of Scott Francis Vernelli who was killed in Afghanistan on 20th March, 2009, and Olivia Vernelli is his daughter. Marcie also recited a heartfelt and emotional Act of Remembrance and Olivia participated in the Commitment to Remember.
With the wreaths in place, the ceremony was complete and finished shortly after noon. The temperature had dropped, wind picked-up, and snow started to appear so everyone took that as a cue to leave at the high port for home rather than stand around gossiping or taking group pictures.
============================================================
