Brig. Gen. David Fraser, former commander of Regional Command South bestows medals to troops who have returned from Afghanistan, Edmonton, Dec. 3, 2006

Edmonton - Hundreds of soldiers who recently returned from Afghanistan were honoured with medals at a welcome home ceremony in Edmonton.

About 300 soldiers who arrived home from nine-month long tours received the medals and listened to a concert Sunday at Rexall Place. 

Tears began to well in Corp. Robert Kelly's eyes after Alberta's Lt.-Gov. Norman Kwong pinned a silver service medal on him.

"It brought back some memories from being over there. I lost a lot of good friends and all that," he said. Kelly's wife, Jocelyn, was overcome with emotion when she saw her husband receive the medal.

"[I am] proud, you know, that he returned home, unlike some other people. So it was nice to see him standing there instead of not standing there, I guess is the best way to put it."

This has been the most dangerous mission for Canadian soldiers since the Korean War. Thirty-six Canadian troops and one diplomat have been killed in the conflict so far this year.

Capt. Mark Peebles has received service medals for his tours in Bosnia and Croatia, but he said this latest decoration means so much more.

"It has a special significance. This tour was a tour unlike any other. When was the last time we've done combat? Korea. This medal to me is probably the most significant medal I've ever earned." 

Omar Samad, the Afghanistan ambassador to Canada, thanked the soldiers during Sunday's ceremony for their assistance to the 30 million people living in his homeland.

Afghans respect the Canadian troops and support the mission, said Samad.