Re-printed from Army News
Windsor, Ontario — The city of Windsor has unveiled the first fixed monument erected in a Canadian city to honour Canadian soldiers who lost their lives in Afghanistan. The Afghanistan and Peacekeepers’ Monument, unveiled on September 7, 2014, in Reaume Park on the banks of the Detroit River, is also the first in Canada to honour fallen peacekeepers and soldiers on one monument.
"I think it is wonderful and very apt that the new monument shares with peacekeeping because the mission in Afghanistan attempted to combat worldwide terrorism and bring peace to this world." said Theresa Charbonneau, mother of Windsor’s own Corporal Andrew Grenon, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in September, 2008, aged 23.
“I have nothing but praise for the city of Windsor,” said Lieutenant-Colonel David Lafreniere, chair of the organizing committee made up of serving and retired military, city councillors and other community stakeholders. “Although this is a time of financial constraint in all areas of government, this was done for no other reason than it was the right thing to do,” he said.
There were more than 350 military personnel on parade and a large crowd of at least 500 spectators at the dedication of the monument. Four local units participated, including the Windsor Regiment, which LCol Lafreniere has commanded for the past year; the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment; the Windsor Company of 31 Service Battalion; and Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Hunter.
“It is a symbolic passing of the torch from the Second World War and Korean veterans to a whole new generation of veterans,” said LCol Lafreniere. “By making it a combined tribute to both peacekeepers and those who fell in Afghanistan, it communicates to the public that the Canadian Armed Forces is capable of doing a variety of missions, from peacekeeping and peace enforcement to full-up warfighting.”
The north face of the marker shows a Canadian soldier standing ready “outside the wire” and includes an engraved list of the 158 Canadians who fell in Afghanistan.
"There is significance to the Afghanistan side facing north as it faces our closest ally, the United States, and it was an action that we worked on closely with the Americans." said LCol Lafreniere.
The south side of the monument, facing inward toward all of Canada, pays tribute to the 115 Canadian peacekeepers that died while on missions around the world. Canada, known for its readiness to contribute troops or support to peacekeeping missions, has contributed to more missions than any other country and continues to do so. More than 125,000 Canadians have participated in United Nations and North Atlantic Treaty Organization missions since 1947.
“Let this monument stand as a testament to our sincere appreciation of their sacrifice, and for their fearless dedication and service to helping others enjoy the freedoms we hold so dear,” stated Mayor Eddie Francis at the dedication.