On May 12 2025 two members from the Class of 1980 John Fisher and Murray Beare presented Class Coins to members of the RMC Students of History Class 362.
Below is the speech from Murray Beare to students and staff in attendance:
Commandant, Col Dr Coombs,
MGen(ret’d) Ward regrets being unable to attend this morning, as he picked up a bug during his trip to the Netherlands with the RCMP Band. They participated in the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian troops. Another significant Historical event.
It is John’s (Maj (ret’d) John Fisher) and my privilege to be part of this presentation to recognize the outstanding work of those who conducted the oral history interviews of some of our Afghanistan Alumni and other Veterans. Our class thought it was important to capture the memories of these veterans to preserve its historical significance to the Canadian Armed Forces and Canada.
If I am not mistaken, Canada’s contribution to the War on Terror, our longest War at just over 12 years, was our first NATO Article 5 commitment. The LAV we see before us was a centerpiece of Canada’s efforts in Afghanistan, and the Class of 80 thought it was important to provide a monument to provide a focus on Canada’s contribution. We are in the midst of developing a website that tells the story of the LAV and branches out to cover other elements of the War. The website will be unveiled as part of the Class joining the old Brigade in September. It is also being done in concert with the RMC Museum Committee.
Many thanks from the Class to Dr Coombs and you cadets, for capturing these memories which will soon be available in perpetuity on the website. Our class coin you are about to receive, is a small memento of our appreciation
Nous vous souhaitons beaucoup de succès dans les années à venir.
VDV
Photo Credit: Corporal B.J. Liddy of RMC Public Affairs
