Trump’s threats leave Canadian Afghan war veterans feeling angry and betrayed
Canadian and American troops fought side by side in the harsh and unforgiving terrain of Afghanistan, shedding blood together in the name of a common cause. The bond forged in battle between these allied forces is one that runs deep, rooted in a shared history of sacrifice and camaraderie.
However, recent actions and threats by the Trump administration have left many Canadian veterans feeling dismayed and even betrayed. The notion that Canadians fought and died in Afghanistan to defend the United States in the wake of the 9/11 attacks is a sentiment that resonates strongly among veterans and their families.
A meme circulating online depicting troops in front of the maple leaf rock monument at Ma’sum Ghar, a Canadian forward operating base in Kandahar, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers. The caption, “We went because you were attacked. We didn’t ask for your thanks. Neither did 158 of us who died for you,” encapsulates the sense of duty and loyalty felt by these veterans.
The recent bullying of the Ukrainian president in the Oval Office and Vice-President JD Vance’s demand for gratitude from Volodymyr Zelenskyy have further fueled the anger and frustration among Canadian veterans. The 11th anniversary of Canada’s military withdrawal from Afghanistan served as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers in the conflict.
Retired corporal Bruce Moncur, who was gravely wounded in a friendly fire incident during the 2006 battle known as Operation Medusa, reflects on the current state of affairs with a sense of disbelief. He questions whether he would be as willing to come to the aid of the Americans in the event of another 9/11 attack, given the recent actions of the Trump administration.
Despite the animosity felt towards the current administration, it is important for Canadian veterans to distinguish between the political rhetoric and the American troops with whom they served. Retired major-general Denis Thompson emphasizes that the bonds between the two militaries run deep, transcending the actions of any one president.
The threats of annexation and economic coercion by the Trump administration may have sparked fear and uncertainty among Canadian veterans, but Thompson remains confident in the resilience and unity of the Canadian people. He believes that the American public does not support Trump’s annexation agenda and that internal dissent within the U.S. may prevent any drastic actions against Canada.
The legacy of the Canadian and American troops who fought together in Afghanistan is a testament to the enduring friendship and solidarity between these allied nations. Despite the political tensions and uncertainties of the present moment, the bonds forged in battle continue to serve as a beacon of hope and unity in the face of adversity.
