A memorial service to pay tribute to Canadian Armed Forces members who served in Afghanistan was held in Windsor on Sunday morning. People gathered at the memorial in Reaume Park to reflect on the cost of the war and Canada’s role in the operation. 158 Canadian Armed Forces Members were killed during Canada’s involvement between 2001 and 2014. Silver Cross Mother Theresa Charbonneau, whose son Corporal Andrew Grenon was killed on Sept. 3, 2008, in Afghanistan, spoke about the grief and pain that remains years later. “If you’ve lost someone close, please let those around you know that it hurts. Let them know that it doesn’t hurt any less not to talk about them,” she said. “Remember that grief is the price you pay for love.” Rows of Canadian flags and poppies bared the faces and names of Canadians who lost their lives in Afghanistan. Veterans, local organizations supporting the military, dignitaries and residents attended the event. Rather than formal attire, Retired Lt.-Col. Mark Popov attended the event in the same materials he wore during combat in Afghanistan. Originally from Essex, Popov served two tours in Afghanistan with commanding roles in reconnaissance squadrons. He shared details about each piece of clothing and how Canada adapted to the setting. “I thought, what a good way to connect with the audience, some of whom are veterans, some are just interested in supporting citizens. But talking about the nuts and bolts, real-world actions of what we wore over there and what we did while we were wearing this stuff,” he said. Over the years, Popov admitted it’s easy for some people to forget about the war but added it’s important to remember the role Canada played. “What I hope is that we don’t forget those that served there and their families and what we did, not only at an individual level, but collectively to show that Canada was really well and truly engaged in the world and to events that needed to be done, such as the war on terror,” he said.
