National Peacekeepers' Day, August 9

August 9 marks National Peacekeepers’ Day — a day to honour and remember all Canadian peacekeepers who have served or are currently serving in support of peace around the world. Although a peacekeepers’ day has been taking place for several years, in June 2008 a bill was passed into legislation officially recognizing August 9 as National Peacekeepers’ Day.

That date is significant, because in 1974, nine Canadian peacekeepers were killed when their plane was shot down over Syria. On August 9, ceremonies are held across the country to recognize peacekeepers - past and present - from the military and Canadian police forces who have served as Blue Berets on United Nations (UN) missions or in other NATO and coalition missions.

Since Lester B. Pearson approved the first UN peacekeeping mission in 1956, Canada has been a leader in keeping the peace around the world. Next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the RCMP’s involvement in peace operations. Over the past two decades, Canada has deployed more than 2,500 police to 50 missions around the world. The demand for Canadian police participation on international peace operations has increased over the past few years, and is expected to continue to grow significantly.

In 1995, Canadian police from provincial, regional and municipal police forces joined the program. Working together, Canada’s police community has been helping to build a more secure world. Canadian police are currently serving in 13 missions in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Eastern and Western Europe, and the Americas (Haiti). Their role varies widely with any given mission from training and mentoring local police to providing humanitarian intervention, ensuring security for elections and investigating major crimes or human rights violations. In many missions, Canadian police are often called upon to take on leadership positions.

For information on National Peacekeepers’ Day, visit the Canadian Landmine Foundation.