SASKATCHEWANIANS CELEBRATE CENTENNIAL IN AFGHANISTAN

Halfway around the world, Saskatchewan-born men and women serving in the Canadian Forces celebrated the provinces' Centennial and paid honour to the duty and sacrifice of generations of Saskatchewan people.

The Saskatchewan flag flew over Camp Julien in Kabul, Afghanistan, as personnel deployed on Operation ATHENA celebrated their home province's 100th birthday with cake, Centennial balloons and a package of goodies provided by Premier Lorne Calvert and his colleagues at the Saskatchewan Legislature.

"These men and women truly embody the spirit and pride that being from Saskatchewan is all about," Calvert said. "That these people would organize a Centennial celebration in the midst of their important and difficult work in Afghanistan speaks volumes about the determination and pride of Saskatchewan people. Since their mission means they will miss this summer's celebrations in Saskatchewan, I am very proud to contribute some flags and a few small reminders of home."

In a videoconference hosted by SaskTel, the Premier congratulated Sergeant Mike Wiggins of Moose Jaw for organizing the Saskatchewan Day celebrations at Camp Julien.

"The most telling part of the celebration was sharing stories of where we grew up, the crazy weather and all of the great people we left behind," Sgt. Wiggins said. "It is this unique sense of community that is engrained in each of us from Saskatchewan – once we're together, we are always home."

The Saskatchewan flag flew on May 22nd, 2005, over a monument commemorating the death of seven Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan. Two of these men were killed when their vehicle ran over a mine in November 2003. Master-Corporal Jason Hamilton of Whitewood Saskatchewan saved one of his comrades who was injured in the incident, and earned the Star of Courage for his actions.

Sgt. Wiggins and his fellow Saskatchewanians are among the 900 Canadians currently deployed on Operation ATHENA, Canada's contribution to the Internaional Security and Assistance Force. Its mission is to help maintain security in Kabul and surrounding area so the Government of Afghanistan and UN agencies can rebuild the country.

Note for Editors: In the backgrounder you will find a 500-word story authored by Sgt. Michael Wiggins, as well as photos and cutlines of the Saskatchewan Centennial celebrations at Camp Julien. These materials are approved for use by National Defense Public Affairs. More photos are available electronically on the Government of Saskatchewan website www.gov.sk.ca.

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