Canadian Peacekeeping Forces Get Day Of Recognition
On August 9th, 1974, nine Canadian Armed Forces Peacekeepers were killed when their plane was shot down by a Syrian missile as it prepared to land in Damascus. In honour of the many Canadian Peacekeepers who have died over the decades, August 9, 2008 was marked across the country as Canada's first National Peacekeepers' Day.More than 200 Canadians have died on international peacekeeping duty for the United Nations since the 1950s.
Canada's peacekeeping legacy stands on its own merits. Since Canadian citizens come from every corner of the world and exemplify how people can live and work together regardless of race, religion or economic ideology, we symbolize that peace can be achieved globally.
Our current NATO mission in Afghanistan is a major departure from traditional Canadian military peacekeeping efforts, but declaring a National Peacekeepers Day is welcomed by those who have deep respect for our remarkable peacekeeping legacy.
Canadian Press
