“In 1918, the first Remembrance Day was marked in Canada at the end of World War I. Today, Canadians honor the more than 100,000 dead of all of Canada's wars, which now includes the 71 soldiers and one diplomat, who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan since 2001.

The United Nations mandated mission in Afghanistan has raised the awareness and the level of debate within Canada about an overseas peace-building mission, as a new generation of brave men and women serve their country in the same manner as their ancestors did to uphold shared human values.

Those who fell, those who served, and those who continue to be part of the international mission in Afghanistan, do so to strengthen peace in a geo-politically sensitive part of the world, provide protection to innocent civilians, offer opportunities to women and children, and help rebuild a war-torn nation that has endured 25 years of pain and destruction.

At the invitation of the Afghan government, Canadian and other NATO forces have taken the side of the Afghan people by providing a strategic line of defence against proponents of extremism and terrorism, who pose a real threat to global security and the young Afghan democracy.

Canada is also viewed as a friend that has committed itself to helping us reach the goals established under the internationally-endorsed Afghanistan Compact that cover a series of benchmarks through 2011, including building up Afghan security and state institutions, accelerating social and economic development activities, and promoting good governance, justice and human rights standards. Afghans welcome and appreciate all that Canada has done and continues to do.

Today, Afghans join Canadians to remember and honor the 71 Canadian Forces personnel and one diplomat who gave their precious lives for this valuable global cause. Their courage and dedication to the mission is an inspiration for current and future generations. To Afghans, they are a symbol of all the good and all the human values for which Canada stands.

On this Remembrance Day, at a time when Afghans mourn the loss of more than 70 of their compatriots at the hands of terrorists, including 59 school children, several teachers and six members of Parliament, my people share with the families and comrades of all 72 Canadians the grief as well as a strong bond of humanity. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten and their service is not in vain.

On this day, we also thank those brave men and women who have sustained injuries and wish them a healthy recovery.”