Canada’s role in the war in Afghanistan is being recognized with a new memorial at Queen’s Park.
The monument is going to be completed by this time next year.
Premier Doug Ford indicates it will be a tribute to the living and the dead.
“Our commitment to honour and celebrate the courage of over 40,000 Canadian men and women who served in Afghanistan. And to give our thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, the bravery of our Canadian Armed Forces.”
Ford says “This memorial will be a space for all Ontarians and Canadians to connect with history. Read about the sacrifices that were made in the name of freedom and remember those who made them.”
He adds it will help future generations remember Canada’s role in the war in Afghanistan.
Retired General Rick Hillier, who commanded a NATO mission in Afghanistan, feels the memorial will touch every veteran who served as well as their families.
“It will stand forever, I believe, as a place where visitors can remember the sacrifices of those who died during the conflict, Canada’s sons and daughters and we are proud to be part of that.”
Heritage Minister Lisa MacLeod calls the Afghan war a defining moment in Canadian history.
“As victory at Vimy brought us together as a nation, it was Afghanistan that allowed us to fight alongside our allies to advance Canadian values of quality, defeat extremism, and defend the entire world against terrorism.”
Canada’s role in the conflict began in 2001 and ended in 2014.
In total, 158 Canadian soldiers and 10 civilians were killed during the war in Afghanistan, and over 2,000 were wounded.
