May 30, 2019 – Ottawa – Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces have established a system for escorted access to the Afghanistan Memorial Hall for the families of the fallen on a priority basis. These guided visits began on May 26, 2019, and will continue under separate arrangements.

In the meantime, members of the public are also invited to visit the Afghanistan Memorial Hall at the National Defence Headquarters (Carling) in Ottawa, beginning on May 31, 2019, at 3:30 p.m., to honour those who lost their lives during Canada’s mission in Afghanistan.

Individuals wishing to find out more information on visit schedules, registration process and timelines, and contact details may email [email protected]. Please note that members of the public must register in advance.

Canadian Armed Forces personnel will guide each public visit and provide visitors with information on Canada’s military contribution in Afghanistan.

Planning is underway to hold a re-dedication event for the Kandahar Cenotaph in the coming months. Details on this event will be shared as soon as information is available.

Quote

“The Afghanistan Memorial Hall is a permanent reminder of the bravery, dedication and sacrifice made by all Canadian Armed Forces members, United States forces serving under Canadian command and Canadian civilians who contributed to the Afghanistan mission. It pays tribute to the soldiers, aviators, sailors and civilians who lost their lives during this mission. It also serves as a reminder of those who returned home with physical and invisible wounds. I am pleased to see the Memorial Hall is being visited by families of the fallen and is now open to the public. And I look forward to officially re-dedicating this memorial alongside families of the fallen to remember their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice for us in Afghanistan.”

General Jonathan H. Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff

Quick Facts

• Canada’s military engagement in Afghanistan came at a significant cost: 158 Canadian Armed Forces personnel, a Canadian diplomat, a DND contractor, a Canadian journalist who was embedded with the Canadian Armed Forces, and 43 United States armed forces members who were under Canadian command were killed during our military engagement in Afghanistan.
• After May 31, 2019, guided visits for members of the public will be conducted during the following hours:

o   Every weekday from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

o   Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11a.m.; 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.