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Calgary Herald

'We can't not remember them': Calgary marks National Peacekeepers' Day

As the names of fallen Canadian peacekeepers echoed through Calgary's Peacekeeper Park on Sunday, more than 100 onlookers sat in silence, remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace abroad. Article content The annual National Peacekeepers' Day ceremony drew veterans, politicians and families of the fallen to the southwest community of Garrison Green, where a memorial wall bears the names of Canadians killed on peacekeeping missions. Many of those names were marked with poppies. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Since 1948, more than 150,000 Canadians have served on 69 major peacekeeping missions in some of the world's most dangerous regions. Of those, 339 were killed, and many more suffered life-altering physical and mental wounds. Those who served included soldiers, sailors and air force personnel, along with police officers, firefighters and paramedics. Article content 'They represented the finest our country had to offer,' Wright said. 'Their commitment, bravery and dedication in the most hostile situations often served as the brightest light in a world sometimes seemingly gone mad. Article content 'Canadian peacekeepers have come to represent peace for today and hope for tomorrow. But that peace and hope has come at a hefty price.' Article content Article content The program included speeches, prayers, poetry and the laying of wreaths at the monument. Among those in attendance were Mayor Jyoti Gondek and MLA Ric McIver, speaker of the province's legislative assembly. Article content Article content In the front row sat families who had lost loved ones. Murray Marshall attended to honour his son Steven, 24, an Edmonton-based combat engineer who was killed in 2009 after he stepped on an improvised explosive device while on patrol outside of Kandahar. Article content 'It's important that we keep remembering why we've sent our soldiers to some of the worst places on the face of the planet,' Marshall said. 'They've done their duty and . . . some have done it right to the end. Article content 'They've given all — we can't not remember them.' Article content Article content 'As a parent, (when) your child's found their career, you've got to back them and be happy for them,' he said. 'Unfortunately, we've seen the other side of the coin.' Article content Growing up in Lincoln Park, Steven spent his childhood in Calgary hockey rinks and baseball diamonds, his father said.