Remember the troops in Afghanistan too!

The Canadian troops in Afghanistan remain out of sight, but they should not remain out of mind. Almost three weeks ago, the first group of soldiers from the Quebec region left for an eight month rotation to provide training and professional development to the National Security Forces of Afghanistan.
It is Canada’s commitment to NATO and to Afghanistan. Today Canada continues to provide the second largest contingent of men and women in that country.
While our forces may have been removed from “Harms Way”, they are continuing to play a vital role in establishing Afghanistan’s national security.
I don’t know if we have any local soldiers in that country at the present moment, but I do know that district men and women have served tours of duty and have done so at the point of the spear.
I have thought often of the one local soldier I know who served three tours of duty in Afghanistan. And I have said a silent prayer for him for his safe return. I can’t imagine what it is like to have a husband or wife or child in that far away country striving to bring education, equality and security to a country so far away. I can’t imagine the worry that is born by the families at home.
I have watched the joy and euphoria when wives, husbands, sons and daughters have been reunited.
I have watched as the funeral procession has driven along the “Highway of Heroes” as thousands of Canadians have lined the route to recognize the 158 Canadian soldiers who died in Afghanistan.
Just because Canadian soldiers are training Afghan policemen and soldiers to provide security in their country does not mean that they are safe from harm. To date over 51 alliance soldiers have been killed this year alone when Afghan soldiers or police turned their weapons on their trainers.
Canada has been fortunate not to experience these attacks. It is part of the risks that we have asked our military to face. Canada’s commitment to train lasts through 2014. We will have more soldiers rotating to that country.
Sunday marks Remembrance Day. We can take time to pause and reflect on the men and women who have served our country. We can reflect on the families who continue to sacrifice and support their loved ones who are far away. It takes but such a few minutes to attend the service at the Cenotaph. It is the least we can do for our fallen military and our currant forces serving their country around the world.
–Jim Cumming,
Publisher