Dear Constituents, Friends and fellow Canadians,
A Royal Proclamation has named Friday May 9th, 2014 as a National Day of Honour in Canada, in honour of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, airwomen, police and civilian personnel who served our country in Afghanistan. Canada’s mission in Afghanistan lasted more than 12 years, and served with distinction, honour and courage. They deserve a day of national honour.
The Government of Canada is encouraging ceremonies to take place across the country on May 9th, and is encouraging all Canadians to mark 2 minutes of silence at 1:30pm (EDT) or the equivalent in their time zone.
This is a day that honours the commitment, sacrifice and bravery of our men and women who served in Afghanistan. It is also to remember and honour the fallen 158 Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice for their comrades in arms, and for us, in order to keep us safe and to give the people of Afghanistan a chance at a better future.
Below are a few key highlights of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan:
• Since October 2001, more than 40,000 Canadian Armed Forces members have been deployed to Afghanistan to work with Allies and the Afghan Government to combat terrorism as well as promote security, development, and governance so that Afghans can build a viable, stable, secure and better governed country.
• Our soldiers helped create an environment in which schools and dams could be built, and governance and judicial systems could be developed.
• Canada’s contribution to the mission in Afghanistan began in October 2001 with Operation APOLLO. As part of that operation, HMCS Halifax was directed to detach from the NATO Standing Force Atlantic and to proceed to the Arabian Sea.
• Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan was a whole-of-government effort throughout the entire mission. Since 2001, Canada has deployed members of various departments including the Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other police services from across the country, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, Correctional Service Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency, to assist Afghans with the provision of governance, justice, human rights and security.
• Canada was part of one of the largest coalitions in history, bringing together 28 NATO allies and 22 partners representing over a quarter of the countries on the planet.
• Since 2011, Canada’s mission in Afghanistan focused on four key areas: investing in the future of Afghans through education and health; advancing security, the rule of law and human rights; promoting regional diplomacy; and delivering humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.
• The Canadian Armed Forces conducted operations in a number of different roles involving air, land and sea assets. Activities included combat, security, development, support and training operations in varying capacities and regions in Afghanistan.
• On March 12, 2014, Canada marked the conclusion of its military training mission in Afghanistan during a flag lowering ceremony in Kabul. The ceremony also recognized the conclusion of Canada’s current civilian policing mission.
All communities across Canada are encouraged to mark this important event. If you would like to organize an event in your own region, information on hosting a commemorative service is available at the following link:
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/get-involved/veterans-week/guide-to-commemorative-services
I also encourage you to visit the following links and share them on Twitter, Facebook and through other social media channels to spread the word about the National Day of Honour on May 9, 2014:
http://www.app.forces.gc.ca/ndoh-jndc/national-day-of-honour.html (National Day of Honour Website)
http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/video.page?doc=the-canadian-armed-forces-in-afghanistan/hsmwz4o8 (CDS Lawson on Afghanistan)
http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2014/04/28/national-day-honour-commemorating-end-canadas-military-commitment-afghanistan (Itinerary for Ottawa)
Edmontonians can be assured that I will be attending a ceremony in Edmonton and look forward to commemorating Canada’s mission in Afghanistan in a city that is simply incredible at demonstrating their love for the men and women of our armed forces.
I had the privilege of travelling to Afghanistan seven times, including spending five Christmases in a row there. Those will certainly be some of my fondest memories and will rank as some of the best moments in my career as a Member of Parliament.
If you have further questions regarding the National Day of Honour, please do not hesitate to contact my office in Ottawa at: 613-992-4524 or at [email protected]
Sincerely,
Hon. Laurie Hawn, PC, CD, MP
Edmonton Centre