CANADA DAY 2011
KABUL, AFGHANISTAN
Yesterday a few members of the Canadian Civilian Police (CivPol) Contingent in Kabul celebrated Canada Day in the best way we know how....by having a ball hockey game. My American colleagues graciously agreed to field a team and host the game here in our camp's gymnasium. At 1000 hrs July 01 Team Canada took to the ice (gym floor) against Team U.S.A. Team Canada was anxious to win the cup....any cup...but a formidable Team U.S.A. looked to thwart our efforts.
After our respective national anthems were played, the Canadian CivPol Commander and the DEA Regional Director dropped the ball and it was GAME ON! The Americans got off to a quick lead with two goals but Canada charged back. The American goalie, a veteran DEA Agent and former Detroit city copper, stood on his head to keep the score close. However, Team Canada was not to be denied and hammered home four unanswered goals to close the first half with a 4-2 lead. A few of our Afghan colleagues were watching and it may very well have been the first time they had seen hockey played.
The teams re-grouped at the break and chose to play soccer for the second half of the match. The ball hockey had been intensely competitive and the blades were snapping off the hockey sticks faster than they could be repaired. The soccer game started off tentative with both teams feeling each other out and testing each other's skills. As the tempo of the players ramped up so did the cheers of the mostly American crowd who urged their heroes on towards victory. However, it was the Canadians who won the day with a 5-2 victory.
The game was a tremendous good-natured morale boost for all involved. The DEA presented the Candian CivPol Commander with the game balls which today are displayed with pride in the Canadian Embassy. The DEA put on a wonderful barbeque after the game and there were lots of handshakes and backslapping to go around. The Canadians were invited to field a team for a soccer re-match of sorts on Independence Day July 04. It was a wonderful morning that we were happy to share with our American cousins.
After lunch I was lucky enough to witness a time-honoured American military tradition. One of my colleagues was promoted from Lieutenant to Captain right here at our camp. It was the first time many of us had attended such a ceremony and it was indeed a privilege to watch. Congratulations to U.S. Army Captain H. LEE promoted in Afghanistan on Canada Day 2011!
In the evening Canadian soldiers and police officers met at Canada House at ISAF headquarters. As the burgers sizzled on the grill we listened to Blue Rodeo and got to re-new friendships with some of the soldiers we had trained with back in Kingston. General Bears awarded medals to several Canadian soldiers and gave a very fine speech to the crowd.
It was an exciting experience to celebrate Canada Day in Kabul. Even though we are far away from home being surrounded by our friends and fellow Canadians made home feel just a little bit closer. As the sun dropped down my colleagues and I geared back up and drove back to our respective camps.
It was a good day with good friends.
Thanks for checking in.
Ken.
