Take time to attend a Remembrance Day service

Next Tuesday marks Remembrance Day in Canada. The First World War ended at the 11th hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. We use that time and date to recognize our veterans who have carried our flag to nations throughout the world in the name of peace and humanitarian aid.
Historically, we first recognized our First World War I veterans, then our Second World War Veterans and later the veterans from the Korean War.
Yet since the Korean War, Canadians have carried the Ensign and later Maple Leaf on their lapels to nations around the world in the name of Peace. They too are veterans who deserve to be recognized for their contribution to peace in the world.
Canadians have participated in almost every United Nations peacekeeping mission. There have been 49 completed UN missions and today there are 17 active UN peacekeeping missions.
Through the cold war, our aircraft and ships patrolled the skies and oceans. Our troops were dispatched to Germany and were part of the NATO front line defense.
Beginning in 1948, Canadian peacekeepers were dispatched to the border of the newly created nation of Israel to act as observers to maintain the peace. In 1956, Canada dispatched Peace Keepers to the Suez as part of the United Nations Emergency Force.
Today, our forces are actively involved in Afghanistan with on average 2500 troops on the ground at any one time. There mandate is to stay to 2011 in hopes that the nation will be stabilized and a political solution will be reached. It has cost the lives of 100 Canadian soldiers.
In addition the Canadian Navy has been patrolling the waters leading Iraq as part of Canada’s contribution to operation Enduring Freedom.
1900 members of the Canadian Forces found their way to the Congo between 1960 and 1964. The forces returned to the Congo in 1999 and continue to be found there today.
Beginning in 1964 and continuing through to today, Canadian men and women continue to serve as part of operation “Snowgoose” in Cypress.
Canadian observers and peacekeepers have been found in the middle east, on the borders of Syria/Israel, the Sinai and Egypt since 1973.
Many missions are ongoing with no end in site. Many have been short lived. Our forces including the air wing operated in Kosovo for only three years.
When called upon, our service personnel have provided emergency aid to civilians following massive disasters. Following the tsunamis in the Indian Ocean December 26, 2004, the DART (Disaster Assistance Response Team) was sent to Sri Lanka, where they treated over 7600 patients, produced 3.5 million litres of drinking water, and repaired schools and constructed temporary shelters.
Since the formation of the DART, Canadian forces have provided assistance to Turkey, and Honduras.
All of those veterans, both men and women should be recognized on Tuesday. Our forces have been standing on guard for us. Take the time on Tuesday to attend a Remembrance Day Service in your community.

–Jim Cumming,
Publisher