Written by Martin Zeilig and Gord Crossley
A Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) III, used by the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan, was unveiled in a ceremony at Lieutenant-Colonel Harcus Strachan VC, MC Armoury at 551 Machray Avenue on October 27. This is now the only monument in Winnipeg dedicated to operations during the war in Afghanistan (2001—2014), according to Captain (ret) Gord Crossley, museum curator for The Fort Garry Horse and 17 Wing Heritage Officer.
Approximately 100 people attended the ceremony, which took place both indoors and outdoors. Senior officers present included BGen Paul Doyle, Deputy Commander 1 CAD, and BGen Wade Rutland, Commander, 3rd Canadian Division.
The MC was Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) David Atwell. Speakers included BGen Rutland, Lieutenant-Colonel Gillian Dulle, Commanding Officer of The Fort Garry Horse, Mr. David Pankratz, MLA, Special Envoy for Military Affairs, and Capt (Ret’d) Crossley.
“More than 40,000 regular force and reserve members of the Canadian Armed Forces served in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2014,” stated the program. “Sadly, 158 of those lost their lives, including personnel from Manitoba: Corporal James H. Arnal, Sapper Sean Greenfield, Corporal Keith Morley, Corporal Michael Seggie, Private Lane Watkins, and Master Corporal Timothy Wilson. Armed Forces members also engaged in humanitarian efforts such as rebuilding schools and distributing medical relief supplies, both as part of their official mission and voluntarily.”
During his speech, Mr. Pankratz remarked that the monument “is a powerful reminder of those who answered the call to serve, far from home, in the tough, dangerous landscapes of Afghanistan.” He added that their courage, resilience, and dedication to peace “are forever part” of Canada’s history. “Today, we remember their sacrifices, but also the hope and resolve they carried with them,” he continued. “As Special Envoy for Military Affairs, I’ve had the honour of working closely with the military community. I’ve seen their deep sense of commitment, their pride in their service, and their unshakeable dedication to our country. May this monument stand as a symbol of our collective gratitude and a reminder that peace is something we must always protect and cherish.”
The guests then moved outside where chairs had been set up in the park facing the LAV III vehicle, covered with a camouflage net. Three marching groups were formed up outside the armoury: members of The Fort Garry Horse, former members of the Garrys and other units, and members of the Regimental Association and Senate, followed by The Fort Garry Horse Cadet Corps.
With the beat kept by a drummer of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, they marched around the building and formed up on McGregor Street facing the park. The Winnipeg Police Service had re-routed traffic around the block to support the parade.
The first speaker was CWO (retired) Jim Seggie, father of Cpl Mike Seggie who was killed in Afghanistan on September 3, 2008. He spoke of the sacrifice of the 158 Canadian Armed Forces members who died in Afghanistan. He quoted John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” noting it provided comfort when Padre Rod Buck informed him of his son’s death. He then recited Binyon’s Verse from “For The Fallen,” with the response from all those present, “We Will Remember Them.”
The familiar ceremony of Last Post, Silence, Lament, and Rouse followed.
The MC invited Afghanistan veterans to unveil the LAV III. For a moment, they stood in a row, each with a hand on the vehicle, wearing a mix of CAF uniforms, blazers and ties, and motorcycle vests, then they removed the net. As camouflage nets often do, it snagged on various protrusions but was soon sorted, revealing the full LAV III.
Next, retired Honorary Colonel of The Fort Garry Horse, Bob Williams, spoke about the long and difficult process since 2018 of making changes to the park. With the help of LCol (ret) Dave Atwell, the right connections were made, and the project was completed in just over two months. He praised the engineers who found all the necessary parts across Canada and built the Bailey bridge, something not done in over 20 years.
He then spoke about the service of Canadians in Afghanistan, expressing hope that the lessons and examples of freedom and equality demonstrated, particularly to the young children who are now young adults, may have been the best legacy left behind.
LCol (ret) Atwell noted that a metal plaque provided by Canada Company would be attached to the side of the vehicle, but there were delays in delivery. It is expected to be installed in a few weeks to complete the monument.
The parade was then dismissed, and after many photos and reunions of veterans, everyone went inside for a reception.
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