Sixty years ago, the victory of the Second World War was fresh in Canada’s conscience. After storming the beaches of Normandy, liberating the Netherlands, and battling through Italy, over one million military men and women were returning home.
At the time, Canada had the world’s third-largest navy and fourth-largest air force. We were proud of our military and Canada had a place among the world’s most powerful nations.
But the world changed drastically during the six decades that followed. Canada shed its military might and consequently lost its place in the world’s hierarchy of military powers.
Remembrance Day is supposed to be a vigil for those who fought and died for Canada in the First and Second World Wars. But on this day, Canadians are often left wondering what happened to the pride we once took in our military.
It’s no secret our Forces suffer from decay, thanks to years of neglect and underfunding. But few realize Canada ranks 14th in the world in its gross per capita military expenditures.
Many Canadians are critical when they reflect on our Forces today. We often picture our decrepit Sea Kings falling from the sky, our Disaster Assistance Relief Team (DART) hitchhiking on American planes, or a stricken sailor being airlifted from a crippled submarine.
These sorry scenes are what Canadians now associate with our Forces. But let us not take for granted the contributions and accomplishments of the 62,181 Canadians currently serving in our military.
Few Canadians actually recognize the contribution of DART to global catastrophes like the South Asian tsunami and the recent earthquake in Pakistan. Some criticize the team for bartering transport from the Americans in order to deploy. Such criticisms do nothing but undermine the team’s success in helping those most affected by the disasters.
Many Canadians are surprised that we’ve slipped in rank to 36 on the list of United Nations peacekeeping contributors. But Canadians should take pride that other nations like Ghana and Pakistan are embracing a Canadian ideal and following our lead as global peacekeepers.
Funding cuts have streamlined our military in recent years. Tank-to-tank warfare is rare on today’s battlefields and Canada’s light armoured vehicles and rapid deployment capabilities are held in high regard by our allies.
Our navy, though small and unable to patrol our Arctic waters, is able to seamlessly integrate into and lead allied task forces from as far away as the Indian Ocean. Even the infamous Victoria class submarines serve a purpose. With their stealth underwater capabilities, they are able to gather intelligence that would be simply unattainable without their presence in our fleet.
Let us remember the 900 troops presently serving in Afghanistan. Our continued contribution to that country’s reconstruction should not be overlooked –especially since we plan to soon increase our troop numbers there to 2,500.
Canadians should also note the 31 military personnel stationed in Sudan. This in addition to the Forces already working in hotspots from Haiti to Congo.
It’s important that Canada’s military contributions to underdeveloped nations not be overlooked by those of us who wish only to reflect on the accomplishments of the past.
So, on Remembrance Day, as we observe that moment of silence and remember those who fought for Canada in the past, let us also not forget those men and women who continue represent Canada around the world today.