Our history

Historical Background


Since 1947 United Nations Forces have performed peacekeeping duties worldwide. Canada
has played an important role in those activities from the beginning and to date more than 100,000
Canadians have worn the blue beret. More than 100 have died “in the service of peace.”

In January 1986, a group of Canadian UN Veterans met in Toronto to establish our
association. By 1989 we had the necessary permission for the use of both “United Nations” and
“Canadian” in our titles along with the authority to use the UN emblem as part of the Association
identifier on our lapel pin, blazer crest, hat badge, membership card and stationery. Chapters
have been formed in most regions of the country.

The Association takes a particular interest in the peacekeeping monument “Reconciliation”
that was erected in Ottawa in 1992 as a tribute to our peacekeepers after the award of the Nobel
prize in 1988. The unveiling of the monument was marked by a national ceremony and a parade
of more than 2,000 peacekeepers through the streets of the nation’s capital.

Association members include serving and retired Canadian Military, RCMP and civilian
veterans of United Nations Peacekeeping missions, other non-UN missions established under UN
Resolutions and peacekeeping missions sanctioned by the Government of Canada. For further
information please contact the local Chapter.

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