A memorial service was held Tuesday morning at the Cenotaph in Battleford to honour those who bravely put their lives at risk during peacekeeping duties. United Nations National Peacekeepers Day remembers Canadians who wore the blue beret for their services, sacrifices and families losses. August 9 was chosen to commemorate the events of that day in 1974, when nine Canadian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Emergency Force in Egypt and Israel lost their lives when their place was shot down over Syria. It was the single greatest loss of Canadian lives on a peacekeeping mission.
"Today we commemorate peacekeepers throughout our nation," said Rev Colin Clay in a blessing of the proceedings, "We remember with sorrow those Canadians who paid the supreme sacrifice while serving under the flag of the United Nations."
The blessing was followed by messages from local dignitaries, on behalf of the government of Canada and the minister of government affairs. The mayor of North Battleford gave a heartfelt message on behalf of the citizens. The act of remembrance was introduced with trumpeting of the "Last Post" and appropriately followed by a moment of silence. It was concluded by the placing of wreaths in front of the Cenotaph.
United Nations Peacekeeping helps countries torn by conflict create the conditions for lasting peace and is comprised of civilian, police and military personnel. There are almost 120,000 of these personnel currently serving on 15 peacekeeping operations and one special political mission around the world.
It was a Canadian who first proposed a UN mission along the lines of what we have come to know as peacekeeping. In 1956, Britain, France, and Israel attempted to prevent Egypt from seizing control of the Suez Canal. Canada's Minister for External Affairs at the time, Lester B. Pearson, proposed the formation and deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping force to "secure and supervise the cessation of hostilities." He was awarded the 1957 Nobel Peace Prize for his innovative thinking and long-term commitment to peace.
"The stark and inescapable fact is that today we cannot defend our society by war since total war is total destruction, and if war is used as an instrument of policy, eventually we will have total war." -Lester B Pearson
