Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, released the following statement on National Peacekeepers’ Day:
“On Sussex Drive in Ottawa, not far from Parliament Hill, sits a solemn monument called ‘Reconciliation’. Atop its walls, three bronze peacekeepers of the Canadian Armed Forces silently observe the city: ever vigilant, as Ottawans pass them by.
“From Cambodia to Croatia and beyond, Canadians have demonstrated courage and professionalism in the service of peace. Nearly 130,000 members of the CAF, RCMP and other police forces have deployed on peacekeeping missions, bolstering our nation’s presence on the world stage.
“Fifty-one years ago today, nine members of the CAF were killed when their CC-115 Buffalo was shot down on a flight from Beirut to Damascus. The downing of UN Flight 51 was, and remains, the single deadliest day for Canada on any of our nation’s peacekeeping missions.
“The deaths of the ‘Buffalo Nine’ remind us of the human cost of these efforts. All told, approximately 130 Canadians have made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of peace.
“Today, as we remember those killed and wounded in the line of duty – and all who faithfully answered the call – let us recommit to helping our sailors, soldiers and aviators to meet the challenges of a dangerous and rapidly-changing world.
“Lest we forget.”