Hi everyone, I’m Bonfire Jr.! Canadian military members have served in many places around the world—from the frozen Arctic to tropical jungles. One of the toughest places they served was the deserts of Egypt.
Canadian peacekeepers on patrol in Egypt in the 1960s.
Photo: DND
In 1956, fighting in Egypt made people worry that another world war could begin. Canada’s top diplomat at the United Nations (UN), Lester B. Pearson, helped come up with a new idea. Instead of more fighting, soldiers from many countries would work together to keep the peace. These international troops went to Egypt to enforce a ceasefire. They also helped calm the situation. It was the first large-scale UN peacekeeping mission in history—and Canadian soldiers were part of it!
Peace can be as hard to hang on to as a fist full of sand… but it grows stronger when we stand up for it like Canada’s Veterans have.
What actions can you take to help make your school or community more peaceful?