From the Government of Canada's website:
"Canadian Armed Forces commemorates 25th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait and the end of the First Gulf War"
Ottawa,Ontario – The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will mark the 25th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait in a number of ceremonies between February 24 to 29, 2016, to recognize Canada’s contribution to the First Gulf War and the service provided by veterans of the conflict. Operation FRICTION was the CAF’s contribution to the 35-nation coalition to remove occupying Iraqi armed forces from Kuwait during the First Gulf War.
A national commemorative event will be held at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa on February 27, 2016. Local/regional commemorative events will be held on various dates at the following Canadian Forces Base locations: Esquimalt, BC; Cold Lake, AB; Trenton, ON; Petawawa, ON; Bagotville, QC; Valcartier, QC and Halifax, NS.
These ceremonies are taking place in locations from which CAF personnel and units originally deployed to the Gulf region during the conflict.
Quote:
“As the Canadian Armed Forces marks the 25th anniversary of the Liberation of Kuwait, we honour those who served in the First Gulf War and recognize their contribution to restoring Kuwait’s freedom. We owe a great debt of gratitude to the men and women who took part in the Gulf War, both our veterans and those who continue to serve today, for their outstanding service to Canada and the cause of freedom.”Lieutenant-General Michael Hood, Commander Royal Canadian Air Force
Quick Facts:
- The CAF participated in multinational coalition operations at sea, in the air and on land to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.
- A number of notable historic firsts occurred during Operation FRICTION: first time that women in the CAF were deployed to a war zone in combat roles; first deployed Joint Headquarters for the CAF; and the first relief-in-place crew swap for one of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships in theatre.
- Approximately 4500 CAF personnel in total participated in Operation FRICTION, with a peak of 2700 personnel participating at one point in the Persian Gulf Region during hostilities.
Article:
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the conclusion of the Persian Gulf War. The war began on August 2, 1990 and ended on March 3, 1991. Canadian Armed Forces members deployed to the Persian Gulf region in 1990-1991 to support the United Nations Security Council Resolutions to liberate Kuwait. Within the overall military operation, Canadians provided detachments of air, sea and land forces. There were no Canadian casualties attributable to combat or military action during the war. In the aftermath of the conflict, Canadians continued to serve in peacekeeping and embargo-enforcement operations in the region.
Some interesting facts about the role of the Canadian Armed Forces during the Persian Gulf War include:
- HMC Ships ATHABASKAN and TERRA NOVA were part of the Canadian-coordinated Coalition Logistics Force, as part of which they escorted the United States Hospital Ships, USHS COMFORT and USHS MERCY, the latter with Canadian medical staff on board.
- HMCS PROTECTEUR, an armed oiler-replenisher, serviced all nations involved in naval operations within the Gulf. Five Sea King helicopters were also attached to the Naval Task Group, performing reconnaissance, utility, and command-and-liaison tasks.
- CF-188 jet squadrons with approximately 500 personnel performed combat air patrol, escort and reconnaissance missions. For the first time since the Korean War, Canadian air-to-surface attacks were conducted during this conflict.
- A Canadian field hospital with 530 personnel operated with the British division, caring for both British and Iraqi wounded.
- The Air Command Transport Group provided air transport of personnel and cargo.
- This war marked the first time that female non-commissioned personnel operated in combat. These trail-blazing Canadian women paved the way for future Canadian combat missions.
This year, and every year, by remembering the sacrifices and achievements of Canadian Veterans during times of war, military conflict and peace, we help to preserve their legacy for future generations of Canadians. Help us to recognize those who served in the Persian Gulf War, 25 years ago.
^ Every country that participated in the First Gulf War should honor the men and women we fought, were wounded or killed during it - especially on milestone anniversaries like this year is. Canada didn't loose a single soldier in the First Gulf War yet they still take the time to remember the sacrifices of it's military. ^
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