The Government of Canada has set aside May 9 to mark the end of Canada's military mission in Afghanistan. On March 18, 2014 the last Canadian military contingent withdrew from Afghanistan, and Canada's military mission officially came to an end.
Legion branches in Parksville, Bowser and Qualicum Beach will host ceremonies to reflect on the 40,000 veterans who took part, including the 158 soldiers, one diplomat, one journalist, and several civil servants who never returned home.
The Royal Canadian Legion Mount Arrowsmith Branch 49 will acknowledge Canada's National Day of Honour tomorrow (May 9) with a brief half-mast ceremony at 9 a.m. Members of the public are encouraged to attend. The ceremony will be at the Mount Arrowsmith Branch in Parksville located at 146 Hirst Avenue West. For more information contact 250-248-5633.
The Royal Canadian Legion Bowser 211 will also celebrate Canada's National Day of Honour with a ceremony at the branch where members will lay a wreath and have a moment of silence at 4 p.m. Members of the public are also invited and encouraged to come out. The branch is located at 7035 West Island Highway in Bowser. For more information contact 250-757-9222.
The Royal Canadian Legion Qualicum Beach Branch 76 will acknowledge Canada's National Day of Honour tomorrow (May 9) with a ceremony at 3 p.m. at the Legion Centoaph located at 180 Veterans Way in Qualicum Beach. Community members are encouraged to wear red as a symbolic gesture of honour. For more information contact Lynn MacLean at 250-752-0986.
Additionally, the Qualicum Beach Legion issued a news release calling on donations for the Veterans Transition Program.
"The VTP is a group-based counseling program designed to assist veterans transition to life as a civilian," states the release. "It provides participants with the opportunity to come together and identify, communicate, and cope with disturbing events, 'dropping the baggage,' so that they can move forward with their lives successfully."
If you would like to make a donation to help with the program visit www.legionbcyukon.ca or make a donation through your local Legion Branch.
The Veterans Transition Program is offered free of charge to veterans in-need. For information on how to join the program e-mail info@legionbcyukon.ca or contact the service officer at the Qualicum Beach Legion Branch 76 at 250-752-9632.
— NEWS Staff/Legion news release