Ottawa, ON - Today, the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement:
"Twenty years after the end of Operation Danaca, we honour the more than 12,000 Canadians who served at various times in this large-scale peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights.
"After the signing of the Agreement on Disengagement between Israel and Syria on 31 May 1974, the Canadian Armed Forces deployed to the region. They provided essential transportation, supply, maintenance and communications support to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).
"The Canadians in this 'Area of Separation' faced many dangers. From the dry, inhospitable conditions and extreme weather of the Golan Heights, to land mines and unpredictable skirmishes that put them under hostile fire, Canadians showed courage and dedication in their service. These and other stresses often led to psychological effects that have lasted a lifetime for some.
"Approximately 56 UN personnel died during peace efforts in the Golan Heights, including four Canadians. Another nine Canadian peacekeepers were killed in 1974 when a Syrian missile attack shot down their transport plane during a routine supply flight. In their memory, Canada marks August 9 as National Peacekeepers' Day.
"Operation Danaca ended on 24 March 2006, when India replaced Canada's contingent in UNDOF. On this 20th anniversary of the end of the deployment, we honour all who served in that long, dangerous mission. Their courage, professionalism and commitment to peace in the Golan Heights remain an enduring source of pride and inspiration for all Canadians."
