LAV III Reaches Final Resting Place In Cobourg As Part of the Afghanistan Memorial
The Canadian Armed Forces LAV III made it’s way from the fields of Afghanistan to its final resting place on D’Arcy Street just south of the Cobourg Community Centre on Wednesday, October, 23, 2019.
A flatbed from Chadwick’s Towing and Repairs headed south on D’Arcy and circled round the round about before stopping in the parking lot at 700 D’Arcy Street around 9 a.m. A large tow truck accompanied the flatbed.
The Town of Cobourg partnered with Canada Company in acquiring the light armoured vehicle that will be situated in an area that was formerly the No. 26 Ordnance Depot of the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps from 1954 – 1970 (Canadian Forces Station Cobourg).
The vehicle was literally home to thousands of Canadian soldiers from 2001 to 2014.
During the Afghanistan war from 2001 to 2014 many soldiers literally lived and died in the vehicles.
Retired Royal Canadian Regiment Sgt. Todd Cane was born and raised in Cobourg. He was in the military for just under 23 years, serving nearly seven months in Afghanistan.
The retired soldier stood by and watched the LAV III being placed on the concrete that will be officially dedicated on November 8, 2019.
Cane states proudly the capabilities of the LAV III during it’s time in Afghanistan.
“The strength, protection and capabilities that this vehicle provided was long overdue for the Canadian Forces and the soldiers that used them.”
“I see the LAV monument as a solid, physical reminder commemorating the 40,000 Canadians who served in Afghanistan and the 158 soldiers who gave their lives there.”
In Afghanistan, Cane lost many comrades during the war. He also spent long hours and days in the blistering heat traveling around the country.
Cane stood quietly outside the fenced area watching the LAV being hoisted into place, until he was invited closer.
“Watching the vehicle placed today brought back so many memories, good and bad as I made my way home after seeing it my mind was reeling with those thoughts.”
“That is all the proof I need, that it is a valuable and good thing to have here – as it made me remember.”
“And that’s all any of the fallen and those who served would want I would guess – just to be remembered.”
“I hope it helps keep that service and sacrifice in the minds of all who see it.”
The ceremony on November 8, 2019 begins at 3:30 p.m.
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