The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will rededicate the Kandahar Cenotaph in the Afghanistan Memorial Hall at National Defence Headquarters Carling in Ottawa during a ceremony on Saturday, August 17, 2019. The ceremony will recognize and pay tribute to the sacrifices of Canada’s Afghanistan fallen.
Families of Canada’s fallen in Afghanistan have been invited to attend the ceremony as guests of the CAF. The ceremony will not be open to the public.
Quotes
“On 17 August 2019, we will conduct the formal rededication of the Kandahar Cenotaph. The Canadian Army is working diligently to create a dignified and enduring moment for families of our fallen to share the solemn pride that honours the legacy of those they loved and lost. Many others will be invited individually including veterans, serving members, media who covered the war and special stakeholders. More details will follow in the days and weeks to come.”
General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff
“This ceremony will mark the solemn rededication of the Kandahar Cenotaph in its new location on Canadian soil. The Cenotaph will forever recognize the sacrifices of those whose images are engraved on it, and it gives all Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, families of Canada’s fallen in Afghanistan and the public a place to pay tribute to our fallen.”
Lieutenant-General Jean-Marc Lanthier, Commander Canadian Army
Quick Facts
· Information about the rededication ceremony was provided to primary and secondary next of kin (families) of Canada’s fallen on June 24, 2019.
· Family members who may not have been contacted by DND about the August 17 event should contact a local Canadian Armed Forces Transition Centre. Details are available at: http://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/transition/understanding-transition/transition-centres.html
· Under DND regulations, DND is able to pay travel costs for up to six family members of each of the 161 fallen Canadians. DND maintains a database with contact details for families of the fallen. Queen’s Regulations & Orders 209.02 details entitlements of next of kin of fallen Canadians.
· The Kandahar Cenotaph was created by members of the CAF during the Afghanistan mission as a battlefield memorial to honour military and civilian personnel who died during Canada’s mission in Afghanistan.
· The Kandahar Cenotaph was transported to Canada in 2011 and is now housed in the recently constructed Afghanistan Memorial Hall at National Defence Headquarters Carling, located at 60 Moodie Drive, Nepean, Ontario.
· Visits to the Kandahar Cenotaph by families of Canada’s fallen in Afghanistan began on May 26, 2019 and continue under special arrangements for the families.
· CAF members and veterans can visit the Cenotaph during regular business hours or during a public tour. Further details are available at Afghanistan Memorial Hall website.
· The rededication ceremony will be followed by a special public visit day on Sunday, Aug. 18. More details on the special public visit day will be made available in due course.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
