National Peacekeepers' Day Plaque

The National Peacekeepers' Day Plaque was unveiled on August 24, 2018. It was erected by the Canadian Association of Veterans in United National Peacekeeping Niagara Chapter with the support by the City of Thorold, Canadian Corps Unit 44, Royal Canadian Legion Br 17, local commercial and private sponsors.

In late 1973, Canadian Forces took part in the Second United Nations Emergency Force, to supervise the ceasefire between Egyptian and Israeli forces. Included in Canada's commitment to the mission were two Canadian Forces Buffalo aircrafts and crew. The unit was stationed in Ismailia, Egypt, a small city next to the Suez Canal.

The single highest loss of Canadian lives since Canada began to participate in international peace missions involved their presence in Syria. Nine Canadian Armed Forces members with the United Nations peace mission in Egypt were killed on August 9, 1974, when their Buffalo aircraft 115461 was shot down in a Syrian missile attack while making a routine supply run to the mission in the Golan Heights. For this reason, August 9 has been declared National Peacekeepers' Day in Canada.

An Act Respecting a National Peacekeepers' Day
Bill C-289 SC2003, c, 27 - 2008-06-18

WHEREAS in 1956 the Minister of External Affairs, the Right Honourable Lester B. Pearson, proposed the first
United Nations peacekeeping mission and, since that time, Canada has been a leader in keeping the peace around
the world, with more than one thousand members of the Canadian Forces participation in peacekeeping and peace
support operations along with many members of Canadian Police services, diplomats and civilians;
WHEREAS one hundred and sixty four Canadian Forces peacekeepers have lost their lives while keeping the peace
around the world in over sixty-six missions;
AND WHEREAS on August 9, 1974, nine Canadian peacekeepers were killed when their plane was shot down by a
surface-to-air missile while en route from Beirut to Damascus; NOW THEREFORE, Her Majesty, by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate and the House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows: Throughout Canada, in
each and every year, the 9th day of August shall be known as:

"NATIONAL PEACEKEEPERS' DAY"

Honours & Awards
1957 - Nobel Peace Prize - Right Honourable Lester B. Pearson
1988 - Nobel Peace Prize - All Canadian Peacekeepers
1996 - Canadian Peacekeepers' National Monument - "Reconciliation", Ottawa
1998 - Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal

Erected by the Canadian Association of Veterans in United National Peacekeeping (CAVUNP)
Niagara Chapter
Supported by
The City of Thorold, Canadian Corps Unit 44, Royal Canadian Legion Br 17, local commercial & private sponsors