The Canadian War Museum and the Parnassos Hellenic Cultural Society of Ottawa are recognizing the 50th anniversary of the start of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Cyprus on Oct. 30.
The event includes a tour of the museum’s permanent exhibit on Canada’s Cyprus mission and a public lecture in Barney Danson Theatre.
Canada sent peacekeeping troops to Cyprus in 1964, when violence broke out between the Greek majority and Turkish minority, fighting for claim of the country. Canadian peacekeepers retained a presence on the island for nearly 30 years until 1993.
Today, a small Canadian military presence remains in Cyprus working with the United Nations.
Andreas Vikis, president of the Parnassos Hellenic Cultural Society of Ottawa, says it’s important to recognize anniversaries.
“We’d like (people) to be aware of these events,” says Vikis. “Canadian troops are still being dispatched all over the world to be peacekeepers.”
Andrew Burtch, the museum’s post-1945 historian, says Canada’s history of peacekeeping missions has helped shape the country’s image.
“Canadians grew very proud of their participation in UN peacekeeping missions like Cyprus,” Burtch says. “And they still remain proud.”
Burtch adds that the Canadian peacekeeping troops in Cyprus were known for their neutrality when easing tensions.
“Canadians distinguished themselves by their impartiality even when they were being drawn at,” Burtch says.
Jean Morin, a retired public servant, went to Cyprus as an officer with the Royal 22nd Regiment in 1979 and again in 1987. Morin says he believes the Canadian presence in Cyprus helped the cause.
“It’s been successful in the fact that there hasn’t been severe fighting there since 1964 except on one occasion,” Morin says. “And that is a pretty good record.”
Vikis says there should be commemoration not only of the peacekeeping in Cyprus, but also of the 28 Canadian lives lost in combat, road accidents and from illnesses during the mission.
“It’s significant to know why Canadian troops found it necessary to serve on the island and die for peace there,” Vikis says.
Burtch emphasizes the importance of learning about Cyprus.
“I think it will be enlightening to learn about this mission,” Burtch says. “And I think it’s always valuable when people take stock of their history.”