Plans finalized for May 9 commemoration of Canada’s 12-year Afghan mission

OTTAWA – The Harper government has laid out plans for how the country will commemorate the end of Canada’s war in Afghanistan on May 9.

In Ottawa, families of the 158 soldiers killed will participate in a private ceremony in the Senate and witness a parade, a 21-gun salute, military bands and a fly-past by planes and helicopters that took part in the mission.

Wheelchair athlete Rick Hansen will serve as master of ceremonies for the events on Parliament Hill.

Jason MacDonald, communications director for Prime Minister Stephen Harper, says other events at military bases and legion halls will take place across the country, with the public will be invited to participate.

Harper declared May 9 a national day of honour last month as he welcomed home the last wave of soldiers from their now-concluded training mission in Kabul.

Plans also include a relay from CFB Trenton, east of Toronto, to Ottawa where the last flag that flew over the Canadian mission will be presented to Harper and Gen. Tom Lawson, Canada’s chief of defence staff.