Friday’s Afghanistan commemoration shaping up as ‘quickie,’ says historian

OTTAWA – The Harper government will take a step towards carving Canada’s war in Afghanistan into history by etching the dates of the conflict into the National War Memorial in Ottawa.

Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino also says a separate memorial will pay tribute to the 40,000 troops who took part in the 12-year-long guerilla war, in which 158 soldiers were killed.

Fantino made the announcement today in the House of Commons in advance of Friday’s national day of commemoration.

An elaborate ceremony is planned for Parliament Hill, along with smaller events across the country, mostly hosted by local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Historian Jack Granatstein says the hasty preparations have left the impression that the government is anxious to leave the whole Afghanistan experience in the past.

The cost of Friday’s event is unknown, but it’s likely to pale in comparison to the $28 million spent marking the War of 1812.