Canadian Afghan War Vets Have Not Won the Victoria Cross

An ungrateful nation sees no point in awarding it:

Remembrance Day has been commemorated in Canada since Parliament passed legislation in 1931 to change the name of Armistice Day and establish Nov. 11 as the date to mark the occasion. Today, the government describes Remembrance Day as “the most unforgettable day” and suggests veterans are “passing the torch” to the Canadian population “so the memory of their sacrifices will continue.” 

However, many veterans of the war in Afghanistan now feel their sacrifice in service to their country is forgotten. One main reason for this sentiment, according to retired corporal Bruce Moncur, is that no veterans of this conflict have ever been awarded Canada’s highest military decoration for valour. 

Retired lieutenant-general Omer Lavoie told National Post that eight service members throughout the Commonwealth have received Victoria Cross medals for their service in Afghanistan. Four have been awarded by Australia, three by the U.K., and one by New Zealand.

That no Victoria Cross decorations were received throughout a 12-year commitment during which more than 40,000 Canadian military members deployed for the mission does not sit well with many Afghanistan veterans, Moncur said.

“Yes, we feel forgotten,” he said.

 

Because you are.

Sorry.

If it makes you feel any better, Omar Khadr got $10.5 million.

 

One more thing:

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government is fighting some Canadian veterans in court because they are asking for more than the federal government can afford. 

"Why are we still fighting certain veterans groups in court? Because they're asking for more than we are able to give right now," Trudeau said, answering a question from a veteran, who said he lost his leg to an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, during a town hall meeting on Thursday evening in Edmonton.