Statements on National Peacekeepers' Day

[The Bread Guy]

From the PM....

Today, we pay tribute to all Canadian peacekeepers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and to those who continue to work tirelessly to defend our interests while promoting the democratic values that we, as Canadians, hold dear. National Peacekeepers Day commemorates the tragic day in 1974 when nine Canadian soldiers were killed, when their plane was shot down in the Middle East. Since that time, other Canadians have also made the ultimate sacrifice on important peacekeeping and military missions around the world, most recently in Afghanistan ....

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.... and from the Veterans Affairs Minister:

Today we pay tribute to the men and women who, through their service and dedication, have contributed to peace around the world. We can be proud of the role they play as Canadian peacekeepers. They provide humanitarian assistance and maintain security in troubled areas while risking their lives in order to ensure security in the world.

National Peacekeepers’ Day is about recognition and commemoration: of peacekeepers past, present and yet to come and their families; recognition and thanks to those who help make the peacekeeping duty less arduous; and remembering those who have died in the service of peace.

Canadian peacekeepers play an essential role in promoting peace in the world and it is our duty to recognize the importance of their contributions. By marking this special day, we can celebrate and express our pride in and our gratitude to these men and women.....