CALGARY – Local schools began the day Wednesday by lowering their flags to half-mast to mark the end of Canada’s mission in Afghanistan this month.
The flags were then raised back to full height at noon.
Flags were also lowered and then raised at city hall and overseas in Kabul. The ceremonial raising of the flags symbolizing hope for the future and the successful return of our last Canadian troops
Grade 12 student Jasjeet Rehill carried the flag in a ceremony at Calgary’s Juno Beach Academy, a school dedicated to Canadian Studies.
Wednesday’s ceremonies also honored Afghanistan veterans and paid tribute to those who died during the mission.
Calgarian, Major Peter Boyle, who was sent to Afghanistan in 2008, believes the mission helped the country rebuild.
“When the mission started, there were 700,000 children in school and no girls,” says Boyle. “ At the end of this mission, there are eight million children and three million girls in school. We are educating them allowing them to stand on their feet and be part of the world.”
The province of Alberta announced today that Military Families will now have Free Admission to provincial historic sites, museums and interpretive centres.
During the 12 year mission, Canada lost 158 soldiers; more than 2,000 were injured. One diplomat, a journalist and two civilian contractors also died.
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