How will the sacrifices made by Canadian military personnel in Afghanistan be remembered on the West Shore?
When can we expect to see an “Afghanistan” plaque affixed to the West Shore cenotaph to recognize the 157 Canadians including 13 British Columbians who have lost their lives in this conflict?
A precedent has been set with with “Korea 1950-1953” and “Peacekeeping” plaques that have been placed on many of the province’s cenotaphs built to commemorate Canada’s sacrifices in the First and Second World Wars.
Some may not agree with the decision making process that led to the deployment of Canadian Forces to Afghanistan.
However, the contributions made by Canadians as members of an international force with the mandate of protecting the rights and freedoms of Afghans by bringing security and stability to the region cannot be ignored.
As combat operations draw to a close in Afghanistan, I would suggest that it is time to commission a visible and long lasting reminder of the service and sacrifices made by many thousands of Canadians on the other side of the world, those numbers include many from the West Shore.
To do so, in time for this year’s Remembrance Day service would be most appropriate.
Mike McBride
Colwood