REGINA – Members of the Canadian Armed Forces were honoured Wednesday at both Regina’s City Hall and the Provincial Legislative Building.
At City Hall, flags flew at half mast to recognize the contribution of the Canadian women and men who served with the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan.
“As the Canadian flag was lowered today in Kabul, I am reminded of the sacrifices each and every member of our Armed Forces and their families have made over the past 12 years,” Mayor Michael Fougere said.
“Canada’s military is recognized for its ongoing contributions to international peace, and for good reason. The Afghanistan mission is only the latest chapter in our long history as peacekeepers.”
Over at the Legislative Building grounds Lieutenant Governor Vaughan Solomon Schofield, Premier Brad Wall and other dignitaries also recognized Saskatchewan civilians and soldiers.
“It’s hard to believe that over a decade has passed since Canada became involved in the war in Afghanistan,” Solomon Schofield said.
“Every day, Canadian Forces and civilians have risked their lives to protect the innocent victims of the conflict, and to bring peace to this troubled country. As we mark the end of Canada’s mission in Afghanistan, we owe each individual who has served our deepest thanks and ongoing support.”
“Canada helped boot the terror camps out of business and the world was safer for it,” Wall said. “The dedication, bravery and professionalism of these men and women who left their families, friends and loved ones at home to put themselves in harm’s way on foreign soil shall not be taken for granted or forgotten by Saskatchewan people. We owe them and their families a collective debt for their sacrifices that shall never be fully repaid.”
Flags at the Legislative Building were flown at half-mast earlier in the day. During the afternoon ceremony, a Canadian flag was raised on a special pole in front of the Prince of Wales entrance was raised to full height to mark the end of the military contributions in Afghanistan. All other flags were then also raised.
“Canada’s participation in the mission to Afghanistan was steeped in honour and selfless dedication, qualities our soldiers proudly have displayed throughout our nation’s history,” Commander 38 Canadian Brigade Group Col. Ross Ermel said.
“The 38 Canadian Brigade Group played an integral part in the mission, sending many soldiers overseas. These primary reserve citizen soldiers exemplified the courage, loyalty and spirit innate in our soldiers.”
The names of the 17 soldiers with ties to Saskatchewan that died in the mission will have their names enshrined on the Saskatchewan war memorial.
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