Oshawa Peacekeepers Day

Sunday August 9th, 2009Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 431 to 3 pm

Sponsored by Veterans Affairs, Community Engagement Fund and FBSC

Overview

Objective

Brief History

Showcase local Oshawa heros

Table Top Profiles

How to learn more

Objective

Oshawa Peacekeepers' Day recognizes the positive contribution of our local citizens to Canada's international reputation as world leaders in peacekeeping missions.

A day to recognize our Military, Police, RCMP, Fireservices and Civilians who served

Canadian Peacekeepers are a beacon of hope, helping to foster sustainable peace and security in countries devastated by conflict.

History

Canada has the second highest fatality rate as peacekeepers

More than 125,000 soldiers have served as peacekeepers.

In July 2006, for instance, Canada ranked 51st on the list of UN peacekeepers, contributing 130 peacekeepers out of a total UN deployment of over 70,000.

Canadian troops have taken on an extended role in combat operations in southern Afghanistan, meeting Taliban forces in open conflict. The Canadian mission to Afghanistan is scheduled to end in February 2011

40 separate peacekeeping missions.

Tens of thousands have served, more than 125 Canadians have died and hundreds more have been wounded in peacekeeping operations

Locations

Korea 1953-55

Korea 55-present

Egypt 56-67

Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebonon and Syria, UNTSO 1954- present

Indo China 1954-73

Belgian Congo 60-64

Middle East 73-79

Vietnam 1973

Qatar 1990

Cambodia 92-95

Somalia 92-93

Former Yugolavia 92-present

Rwanda 94-95

Haiti 96-97

Afganistan 2002-Present

Sri Lanka 2004-5

August 9, 1974

August 9, 1974 is the tragic date when nine Canadian UN peacekepers were killed whilst flying a Buffalo aircraft over Lebanon were shot down.

With the passing of Bill C-287 on June 18, 2008, National Peacekeepers' Day has become an official day in Canada. Every year on August 9, past and present Canadian peacekeepers will be honoured through events and activities across Canada.

Nobel Prize

In 1988, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded collectively to UN peacekeepers in recognition of their historic efforts to limit violence and promote peace.

In a small way, every Canadian can share in the honour the Nobel Prize confers on the peacekeepers of the world, including Canada's peacekeepers.

Oct 16 , 2006

Unveiling of the UN Peacekeeping plaque at Memorial Park, east side of the cenotaph and the Garden of the Unforgotten

Project funding from Veterans Affairs and City of Oshawa

May 1st 2009

Capt.(Ret) A. F Williams(Military)

Almost 35 years service in:

Egypt

Cyprus

Lebanon

Israel

Cambodia

Sgt. Major P. A Daniels( Military)

35 years veteran

Served

WW 2

Korean War

Egypt

Sinai

Nato Forces

Rick Kurelo( Firefighter)

Rick Kurelo

Bosnia

Afganistan

Named Firefighter of the Year in 2009

Oshawa Fire Services

Durham Regional Police

Cst. Patrick Paquette receipent of the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal

Patrick spent over a year in Haiti where he served as a United Nations Police Officer.

Table Tops

Friends of Veterans-Randy Young

Wounded Warriors Fund-Jeff Callery

Support the Troops Stickers -Donald and Sandy MacKenzie,

Historical Military Vehicle Society, Tom Lupu

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43,

Supporting the Peacekeepers William Sam Magee

Heritage Oshawa-Cathy Clarke

FBSC/Oshawa Remembers-Joan Kerr

TWGPP- Glenn McKnight

Camp X Lynn Phillip Hodgson

For more information

Oshawa Peacekeepers CaHttp://www.oshawapeacekeepersday.ca

Collection of audio stories from local peacekeepers

History

Oshawa Narrative stories from WW2 and Korea
Http://oshawaremembers.wordpress.com

Over 100 stories and 200 audio audio and video stories

The War Graves Photographics Project
Contact Glenn McKnight 905-434-6655

Email mcknight.glenn@gmail.com

In closing

A special thank you to all our Canadian peacekeepers and especially our fellow Oshawa citizens who respectfully honour your deeds and sacrifice.