Flag ceremony commemorates Canadian service and sacrifice in Afghanistan

Canadian flag at half mast in front of Pincher Creek's Town Hall

• Government also announces free admission to provincial heritage facilities for military families

Chris Davis

At sunrise today the Canadian flag was lowered at NATO headquarters in Kabul, marking the end of 12 years of Canadian military involvement in Afghanistan. Canadian soldiers are expected to finish leaving Afghanistan by the end of this week.

Flag ceremonies were held at schools and municipalities across Alberta, including an event at Pincher Creek's Town Hall. Dignitaries and a small crowd of citizens gathered there at sunrise. The Pincher Creek Royal Canadian Legion #43 Colour Guard was led by Sgt. at Arms Fred Asta White. Mayor Don Anderberg was host for the ceremony.

"Our Armed Forces are strictly volunteer," said Anderberg. "A lot of countries conscript people. The people who go to war for us choose to. We have to keep that in mind.  The greatest place in the world to live is Canada."

“Today I’m asking all Albertans to join us in taking a moment to honour the bravery and perseverance of those who have served in Afghanistan," said Alberta Premier Redford in a statement released earlier today. "Whether military or civilian, their incredible work to assist those on the other side of the world is a testament to the selflessness of the Canadian spirit. It is a moment to celebrate as we welcome home our returning soldiers. But we must also remember those that did not make it back. We must honour their sacrifice in our own way, using the freedom they fought for and died protecting."

Pincher Creek Legion Colour Guard led by Sgt. at Arms Fred Asta White

A new Canadian flag was run up the flagpole and then was lowered to half mast in memory of the Canadians who have perished in the Afghanistan conflicts.

Legion Pastor David Goff read from Laurence Binyon's poem For the Fallen: "They shall not grow old as we are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them."

Together we sang 'O Canada' and 'God Save the Queen'. 'The Last Post' was sounded and we observed two minutes of silence.

The Alberta Government is honouring the end of Canada’s military service in Afghanistan by providing free unlimited admission to provincial heritage facilities. Effective today, military families will have free unlimited admission to provincial museums, historic sites and interpretive centres.

“The amazing commitment of our military men and women protects not only our freedom, but the quality of life we enjoy in Canada," said Minister of Culture Heather Klimchuk in a press release announcing the free admissions. Through free admission to provincial heritage facilities, we hope they have an opportunity to reconnect with their families, while learning about and celebrating our province’s past. It’s a small token of appreciation for the tireless work they perform every day.”

From the Oil Sands Discovery Centre in Fort McMurray to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump in Fort Macleod, military personnel and their families can show their “CFOne” cards to gain free unlimited admission to any Alberta Culture heritage facilities across the province. Alberta Culture operates a network of provincial heritage facilities including five major museums (i.e. Royal Tyrrell Museum and Royal Alberta Museum), 14 historic sites and interpretive centres and the Provincial Archives of Alberta.