Peacekeepers Recognized for their Sacrifice

Nova Scotians are being encouraged to pause on Tuesday, Aug. 9, to remember the men and women who dedicate their lives to establishing and maintaining peace around the world.

August 9 is Peacekeeping Day in Nova Scotia. It was proclaimed in 2003 to honour the Buffalo 9, nine Canadian peacekeepers who lost their lives on Aug. 9, 1974. The crew was on a routine United Nations flight from Damascus to Beirut when their aircraft was shot down by Syrian surface-to-air missiles.

"This was the largest single loss of life in Canadian peacekeeping history," said Premier John Hamm. "This day reminds us that we should never forget the men and women who work tirelessly to guide countries along the road to self-sustaining peace."

Peacekeeping Day has been officially adopted by most provinces in Canada.