To the editor:
Canada’s flag was lowered in Kabul last month, drawing Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan to a close as our troops began their final journey home.
All Canadians extend our appreciation and thanks to the brave women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces and the RMCP, as well as the public servants and civilians who served valiantly in Afghanistan. We also owe a great debt of gratitude to the families who supported their loved ones during deployments.
All those who served have made enormous sacrifices during Canada’s largest military deployment since the Second World War. Canadian women and men carried out their duties with the utmost professionalism and distinction. We are immensely proud and grateful of their service to enhance peace, stability, and hope in a troubled region of the world.
Most importantly, we remember those individuals – both military and civilian – who made the ultimate sacrifice during the mission. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the 158 Canadian soldiers, civilian consultants, diplomat, and a journalist who lost their lives in the line of duty. We also remember those who were injured and will forever bear the scars, physical and invisible, of their service.
While Canada’s mission may have ended, our responsibilities do not. As a country, we must take the best possible care of all those who have returned from Afghanistan.
Joyce Murray, Liberal MP
Defence critic
