On June 10, 2018, Canada Company and its supporters proudly unveiled Toronto’s only monument dedicated to the 40,000 Canadian Armed Forces who served and the 162 Canadians who lost their lives during the conflict in Afghanistan. This monument specifically honours the 16 Regiments of the Toronto Garrison for playing their part in what became Canada’s longest mission in history.
Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) III were originally manufactured by Canadians at General Dynamics Land Systems Canada in London, Ontario and were instrumental to troops in carrying out their missions while in Afghanistan. The monuments were created from decommissioned LAV III hulls, donated by the Government of Canada and built by Militex Coating Inc. and Fanshawe College students in London, Ontario.
On November 5, 2014, the Canada Company Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) lll Monument Program was launched to recognize the 40,000 Canadians Armed Forces who served in Afghanistan and to commemorate the 162 Canadians who lost their lives. The program closed after awarding 33 monuments to communities across Canada.
The ceremony included Canada’s top military brass starting with Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Jonathan Vance, 4th Canadian Division Commander, Brigadier General S.M. Cadden, 32 Canadian Brigade Group Commander, Colonel Dan Stepaniuk and representing The Royal Regiment of Canada was Honorary Colonel Anthony Graham. Canada Company was represented by Chairman and Founder Blake C. Goldring along with Major General (Retired) David Fraser, Chair of the LAV III Monument Program Community Selection Committee.
A wreath for the Fallen was placed at the monument by two Silver Cross Mothers, Kathy Smith and Donna Beek who honoured their Fallen sons Private Demetrios Diplaros and Private Corey Joseph Hayes.
