As a small group on onlookers watched and gulls circled overhead, the last post was played at the Nanaimo Cenotaph before two minutes of silence to remember those who served in Afghanistan, as part of the National Day of Honour.
Master Corporal Darcy George, with 39 Signal Regiment in Nanaimo, led the ceremony. He served 2 tours of duty in Afghanistan.
George says his thoughts are with Afghanistan today, and with those who served and died. The mission claimed the lives of 158 Canadian soldiers, one diplomat, one journalist and two civilian contractors.
George says he witnessed progress, and highlights how Canada helped bring democracy to the country, formerly ruled by the Taliban.
Meanwhile in Ottawa, Prime Minister Stephen Harper called the day a unique opportunity to say thank you to the men and women who fought, and to honour their sacrifice.
There were no formal events to mark the day on the Sunshine Coast.
