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After more than 12 years, Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan has come to an end. In a flag lowering ceremony on March 12 at International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) headquarters in Kabul, the largest deployment of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel since the Second World War has drawn to an end.
General Tom Lawson, the chief of the defence staff, along with members of NATO, ISAF and dignitaries, attended the event.
“Today, after more than 12 years and the deployment of over 40,000 Canadian Armed Forces members, our mission in Afghanistan has come to a close,” said General Lawson. “This mission has had a profound impact on the generation of soldiers, sailors, airmen and women who contributed to it, and to their families who supported them throughout. Together with all Canadians, we will commemorate our fallen and we will care for our ill and injured. As our flag comes down today, we look back on our mission with pride, knowing that through our efforts we have helped Afghans to gain the hope of a brighter and more secure future.”
Canada will continue to play a role in supporting efforts that contribute to building a better future for all Afghans and has committed $330 million to help sustain the Afghan National Security Forces and $227 million in development assistance between 2015 and 2017.
“The Government takes great pride in the work of the CAF and all that you have achieved in Afghanistan; accomplishments which have been earned from great sacrifice,” said Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence. “The strength of your commitment and that of your families, to ongoing operations, and to the challenging tasks that your country has asked of you, has brought great honour both at home and abroad. The lowering of our flag marks the end of this significant chapter in our history as a nation.”
