LAV III Memorial

LAV III Memorial

Aurora, Ontario

Type

Other

The Town of Aurora, with support of the Queen's York Rangers (1^st American Regiment, RCAC) and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 385 recognized the completion of the Canadian Armed Forces longest conflict in Afghanistan, on Remembrance Day 2017, with the dedication of a Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) memorial.

Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) III were originally manufactured by Canadians at General Dynamics Land Systems Canada in London, Ontario and were instrumental to troops in carrying out their missions while in Afghanistan. The monuments were created from decommissioned LAV III hulls, donated by the Government of Canada and built by Militex Coating Inc. and Fanshawe College students in London, Ontario.

On November 5, 2014, the Canada Company Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) lll Monument Program was launched to recognize the 40,000 Canadians Armed Forces who served in Afghanistan and to commemorate the 162 Canadians who lost their lives. The program closed after awarding 33 monuments to communities across Canada.

The monument complements the existing Aurora War Memorial and Altar of Sacrifice by commemorating the efforts in Afghanistan, for which the Queen's York Rangers were granted a Battle Honour.

Inscription

[plaque]

Canada Company • La Compagnie Canada

In recognition and memory of the efforts of approximately
40,000 Canadian Armed Forces personnel who served and
the 162 Canadians who died in the cause of bringing peace
and freedom to the people of Afghanistan.

2001 2014

En mémoire et en reconnaissance des efforts des quelque
40 000 membres des Forces armées canadiennes qui ont
servi en Afghanistan et des 162 Canadiens qui sont morts
pour la cause de la paix et de la liberté du peuple afghan.

[plaque]

We, the citizens of the Town of Aurora, in gratitude for their service and sacrifice, dedicate this memorial to the members of all branches of the Canadian Armed Forces and especially to our own Queen’s York Rangers (1^st American Regiment) (RCAC).

The LAV III (Light Armoured Vehicle) was of the type used by Canadian Forces troops in Afghanistan until the completion of their mission in 2014. It symbolizes their efforts in Afghanistan and in other peacekeeping missions for which Canadian troops have become renowned.

The Queen’s York Rangers were granted a Battle Honour by the Government of Canada in 2014 for their efforts and contributions in Afghanistan. The Regiment is based in Toronto and Aurora.