CBC Digital Archives

Honouring the peacekeeper

For half a century, Canada's Blue Berets have defused escalating tension and conflict with their peacekeeping missions. The United Nations Blue Berets have come to symbolize reconciliation and idealism. Initially, Canadians regarded our peacekeepers as a point of pride - our noble contribution to the global community. But with time, Canada was forced to measure the costs of success and the harsh realities of loss. CBC Archives examines five pivotal peacekeeping missions including the Suez crisis, the Cyprus mission, the Congo operation, the East Timor success and the Rwandan retreat.

At the intersection of St. Patrick and Sussex Drive in Ottawa a monument to Canada's peacekeepers is unveiled. The bronze sculpture is titled Reconciliation and features three peacekeepers. A grove of small trees, symbolizing peace, sits before the monument. Politicians, family and retired Blue Berets pay tribute to Canada's peacekeepers in this solemn ceremony, as reported by CBC Radio. 
• The monument is inscribed with the following message: "We need action not only to end the fighting but to make the peace… My own government would be glad to recommend Canadian participation in such a United Nations force, a truly international peace and police force." — Lester B. Pearson, Nov. 2, 1956

• The United Nations Dag Hammarskjöld Medal honours Blue Berets killed on peacekeeping missions. As of 2004, 104 medals have been awarded in honour of Canadian Forces personnel.
• As of March 2004, Canada had a total of 235 peacekeepers in the field.
Medium: Radio
Program: CBC Radio News
Broadcast Date: Oct. 8, 1992
Guest(s): Ray Hnatyshyn, Brian Mulroney
Host: Terry Glecoff
Reporter: Richard Inwood
Duration: 1:33

Last updated: February 8, 2012

Page consulted on October 29, 2012

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