Various events are being held in Greater Victoria on National Peacekeepers’ Day, which officially takes place every year on Aug. 9.
A ceremony was held at Victoria’s B.C. Afghanistan Memorial with Afghanistan veterans and other members of the Canadian Forces in attendance. Veterans Affairs Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor and others laid wreaths during the event.
“It’s very important for me to come here to this memorial,” Taylor said. “We’re remembering the events that have happened in years gone by and honouring modern-day soldiers. Afghanistan is certainly one of those modern-day events that we have to highlight.”
The ceremony was organized by members of the BC Afghanistan Memorial Committee and Veterans Affairs Canada.
Taylor will also be addressing a peacekeeper parade beginning at the corner of Admirals Road and Esquimalt Road at 6:50 p.m. After the parade, she will unveil a commemorative poster during a memorial event at Esquimalt’s Memorial Park.
“It’s important to remember the lives lost but also those who suffered as well,” Taylor added. “These men and woman have served so well. They are the best of Canadians. I want to thank them for their service to our country and to other countries around the world.”
A CC-130 Hercules aircraft from 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron in Comox will also fly past the park in salute.
The commemoration is being put on by the British Columbia Chapter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association with the help of CFB Esquimalt.
“Today, as we mark the 15th anniversary of the first National Peacekeepers’ Day, we honour the courage, dedication, and commitment of all Canadians who have served and continue to serve in peacekeeping operations around the globe,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a news release. “Canada’s leadership in peacekeeping is a source of national pride. On this day, I invite all Canadians to learn more about our support to peacekeeping operations around the world.”
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