We will always honour the brave women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces who answered the call in Afghanistan.
We honour those who returned but were never the same, and we remember the 158 soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in their service.
Families and communities were changed forever. As children board the ferries that bear the names of Master Corporal Christopher Stannix and Petty Officer Second Class Craig Blake, and ask their parents who they were, they too will learn and remember.
No one’s careless words will ever take this away.
Whether in times of peace or in conflict, Canada has always had a proud tradition of stepping up and answering the call. Our allies have always known that Canadians would be there, on the front lines, shoulder to shoulder to protect, to support, to fight, to rebuild.
After the horrors of September 11th, 2001, when the United States triggered NATO’s Article 5, the Canadian Armed Forces answered the call, deploying to Afghanistan.
By 2014, when Canada’s role in Afghanistan ended, more than 40,000 Canadians had served, and 158 soldiers died.
These are not just facts. These are people. Canadians we will never forget.
NATO’s Article 5 has only ever been invoked once, and it was by the United States of America in 2001. NATO countries, like Canada, jumped to support their ally at great cost.
Their sacrifices are not up for debate, revision, or dismissal.
Lest we forget.