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Minister of Veterans Affairs marks 20 years since the end of Operation Danaca 26 Mar 2026

Minister of Veterans Affairs marks 20 years since the end of Operation Danaca

From: Veterans Affairs Canada

Statement

Ottawa, ON – Today, the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement:

“Twenty years after the end of Operation Danaca, we honour the more than 12,000 Canadians who served at various times in this large-scale peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights.

“After the signing of the Agreement on Disengagement between Israel and Syria on 31 May 1974, the Canadian Armed Forces deployed to the region. They provided essential transportation, supply, maintenance and communications support to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).

“The Canadians in this ‘Area of Separation’ faced many dangers. From the dry, inhospitable conditions and extreme weather of the Golan Heights, to land mines and unpredictable skirmishes that put them under hostile fire, Canadians showed courage and dedication in their service. These and other stresses often led to psychological effects that have lasted a lifetime for some.

“Approximately 56 UN personnel died during peace efforts in the Golan Heights, including four Canadians. Another nine Canadian peacekeepers were killed in 1974 when a Syrian missile attack shot down their transport plane during a routine supply flight. In their memory, Canada marks August 9 as National Peacekeepers’ Day.

“Operation Danaca ended on 24 March 2006, when India replaced Canada’s contingent in UNDOF. On this 20th anniversary of the end of the deployment, we honour all who served in that long, dangerous mission. Their courage, professionalism and commitment to peace in the Golan Heights remain an enduring source of pride and inspiration for all Canadians.”

'We can't not remember them': Calgary marks National Peacekeepers' Day | Calgary Herald 10 Aug 2025

https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/remember-them-calgary-national-peacekeepers-day

Hundreds gather to mark Peacekeepers Day in Calgary – CTVNews 10 Aug 2025

https://www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/article/hundreds-gather-to-mark-peacekeepers-day-in-calgary/

Quilts For Veterans

We have graciously been given quilts made specifically for persons (preferably Veterans) in wheelchairs. These beautiful quilts have been designed and made by Marianna Hradec and her friend in Moyie, BC.

So far I have been able to present 3 of these quilts to Matthew , John and Don (special request from Marianna). All 3 of these veterans presently reside at the Colonel Belcher. I have asked the Recreational Therapist if she is aware of any other Veterans who could benefit from these awesome quilts – she is working on it.

Other than information, Please reach out to our correspondent Representative if any of the Chapter members are aware of someone who could benefit from a quilt. Thinking of Bob who is in the Belcher as well and although he doesn’t use a wheelchair he spends most of his time sitting in his chair and reading.

Yesterday 15 September 2018 was the Motorcycle Honour Ride Sponsored by the Blue Nights. The ride departed from the Military museum. After the ride Jim Perry presented the Fire Fighters Burn Units with a cheque of $500. on behalf of the CAVUNP Calgary. Thanks to CAVUNP for your support.

At the 20 Jun Meeting CAVUNP Calgary Chapter President Bob Titus presented Danielle Boudreau with for 4 cheques (Pledge Donation of $250. for each of the Riders (Jim Perry, Tom MacCarls, Serge Plante and Danielle Boudreau) who took part in the Ride for Dad to raise funds for Prostate Cancer Researches.

$10,000. Chèque donation to the Colonel Belcher Hospital on behalf of CAVUNP Calgary Chapter.

20 Jun 2018, President of CAVUNP Calgary Chapter presented a $10,000. Cheque to the Colonel Belcher Hospital on behalf of CAVUNP Calgary Chapter.

Cindy Postnikoff

May 16 at 7:47pm

Today the Memorial Walls went in at the Kimberley Veteran Memorial Park! Please join us on May 26 @ 4:00 pm for an Act of Remembrance Ceremony that will be well attended by the Calgary and Red Deer Alta, UN/NATO Veterans Support Group, Military Ames Veterans and the Public. Everyone is welcome and we will be officially unveiling the Memorial Walls with plaques at that time. PASS THE WORD!