November is a month of reflection for the Defence Team. November 11th, Remembrance Day is when, we as nation, reflect on the sacrifices that those who have gone before us and the current sacrifices of personnel serving around the world. This year marks a number of important anniversaries.
In 2011 Canada ended its combat mission to Afghanistan, over 40,000 personnel served in the region making it Canada’s largest deployment since the Second World War. 158 service members made the ultimate sacrifice during the conflict. The training mission in Afghanistan continued until 2014. It is also the 30th anniversary the Gulf War, where over 4,000 personnel helped liberate Kuwait.
The birth of modern “blue helmet” peacekeeping was 65 years ago with the UN force in Egypt under the command of Canadian Lieutenant-General E.L.M. “Tommy” Burns. Lester B. Pearson, who would go on to become Prime Minister of Canada, was awarded the 1957 Nobel Peace Prize for his work toward establishing this first major UN peacekeeping mission.
It is also the 70th anniversary of one of the major battles of the Korean War, the Battle of Kapyong. The 80th anniversary of the Defence of Hong King and the 105th anniversary of the battles of the Somme, and Beaumont-Hamel.
November can be a difficult month for some veterans and the families and friends of those who served, especially this year with the recent events in Afghanistan. Please keep an eye out for the well-being of your fellow defence team members. Mental health and social supports can be found at the following link: Veterans struggling with events in Afghanistan – Veterans Affairs Canada.
