The sky blue beret signifies the Canadian peacekeeper which has been worn by more than 120,000 men and women over the past 50 years while acting in their role as peacekeepers in many countries where war and strife were occuring. Today marks the 50th anniversary of the role of the Canadian Peacekeeper, which started with the intervention in the Middle East in 1956 to help mediate the Suez Crisis. How tragic that we are still facing death and destruction in that part of the world. How tragic that the last individual acting as a Peacekeeper was killed in this latest Hezzbollah terrorist war against Israel. Here is an excerpt:
"Peacekeeping Day was created to recognize the service of Canadians in far-away places in the service of peace. Since 1948, members of Canada's Armed Forces and Diplomatic service have served on peacekeeping missions around the world. Additionally, since 1992, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, provincial and municipal police forces have served in Peace Support missions around the world. It was to recognize the service of Canadians past, present and in the future that Peacekeeping Day was created.
9 August was chosen because on that date in 1974 the greatest single loss of Canadian lives on a peacekeeping mission occurred. Nine Canadian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Emergency Force in Egypt and Israel, were flying in a Canadian Forces "Buffalo" transport aircraft on UN service which was shot down by Syrian air defence missiles while preparing to land at Damascus, Syria on a regular resupply mission. There were no survivors.
Canada's first casualty on a peacekeeping mission occurred in 1951 when Acting-Brigadier HH Angle of Kamloops, BC died in a plane crash in Kashmir on the border between India and Pakistan. Since then, 114 members of the Canadian Armed Forces and one member of Canada's diplomatic service have died in far-off lands in the service of peace.
On this day, we recognize the families of our peacekeepers who keep up the morale of our peacekeepers with cards and letters, parcels and gifts. They play a central part too helping their spouses to adjust to the peace and tranquility of their home and country when they return.
We also recognize and thank other Canadians who have given freely of their time to support our Peacekeepers abroad. In particular are the ham radio operators who nightly have connected to the military ham radio operators calling from the missions and linked the peacekeepers to their families back in Canada. This most valuable service, always given freely, has been a strong element in maintaining family morale. We also thank the families that knit the "Izzy Dolls", small dolls given to the children whom Canadian peacekeepers meet as they patrol their assigned areas. Created by his family in memory of Master Corporal Mark Isfeld who died in 1994 while serving in the former Yugoslavia, the dolls have brought much pleasure to children in many countries suffering the ravages of brutal conflict.
Peacekeeping Day, 9 August 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 our fallen comrades who have died in the service of peace. "
Our role in Afghanistan has altered the picture we have of the Canadian Armed Forces. No longer involved in the "traditional" peacekeeping activities, they are in the middle of all out violent conflict, as a way to support the Afghanistan government and people. Who knew 50 years ago that the world would be facing ongoing terrorist threats on a global scale? We have had to accomodate and change our ways in order to be a member of the global fight against such an nebulous and frightening enemy. The war may be in Afghanistan, but the threat is global.
Canada has a proud legacy....................one that continues...........................
While we take the time to proudly honour the fallen peacekeepers, may we also take the time to honour and support our troops in various locales around the world, especially Afghanistan and to think about the families living in Canada who stand by worried but supportive of their loved ones.
2 comments:
What a beautiful tribute to the fine men of the peacekeeping missions. Only too bad they can't do their job they way the are meant too.
The Middle East has been a hot-bed of dissent since Attila the Hun invaded back in the Middle Ages. I don't think they really know any other way of life. It's only too bad that the forces that go in to mediate and help are struck down as recklessly as the innocent victims who already live there.
Of course, our efforts over there don't make the job any easier either. My heart goes out to the citizens of Canada who await their loved ones coming home, as it does for my countrymen.
I want a blue beret!!!
Post a Comment