Canada plans to honour Afghanistan war veterans on May 9

OTTAWA — Canada will hold commemoration ceremonies May 9 for the thousands of soldiers who served in the military mission to Afghanistan.

The announcement was made Tuesday by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, as he greeted 93 soldiers at Ottawa’s military airport hangar. They were the last to return home from the warravaged country.

Harper said May 9 has been designated a “National Day of Honour.”

“On that day, Canada will recognize those who fought, remember those who fell and salute all those who contributed to this 10-year-mission,” Harper said.

“We will stand together and honour the strength of our men and women in uniform. We will honour the strength of the Canadian families who have faced heart-wrenching loss. We will honour the strength of our communities that supported them.”

The returning soldiers were met at the airport by family members.

Harper shook hands with each of the soldiers as they stepped off the CC-177 Globemaster plane that brought them home.

The prime minister was joined by Gov. Gen. David Johnston, Defence Minister Rob Nicholson and Gen. Thomas Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff.

Johnston welcomed home the troops and thanked them for their service. “You were exposed to the ultimate risk,” he said. “You proved your diligence, your toughness and your compassion for the plight of others. Many of you have witnessed the worst and the best of humanity.”

The mission, which began in 2002, cost the lives of 158 Canadian soldiers, one diplomat, one journalist and two civilian contractors.

Soldiers were involved in direct combat for a decade, and during the past two years served as military trainers to the Afghan National Security Force.

The mission came in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington.

NATO forces declared their intent to defeat Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaida, which had taken refuge in Afghanistan under the protection of the Taliban.

The war brought intense battles against the Taliban, which used a variety of methods — notably roadside bombs — to kill Canadian soldiers.

As many as 40,000 Canadian troops rotated through the country.

The mission provoked intense debate in Canada about both its purpose and success. It left a legacy both here and in Afghanistan.

In Canada, say many observers, it reinstilled national pride in the military.

But many returning soldiers have had to cope with significant physical injuries or traumatic stress disorder.

The federal government says there have been major steps forward in Afghanistan: better education, particularly for girls, and the establishment of infrastructure projects to help improve the economy.

But critics say that as Canada and other nations depart Afghanistan, the Taliban is poised to re-establish itself as a powerful influence within the country.