Canadian Troops In Afghanistan “Celebrate” Christmas Far From Home

They hoped to have several silent nights and sleep in heavenly peace. But the reality is far different for Canadian soldiers spending their Christmas in Afghanistan.

All those on duty in the war torn country know that the threat of violence is quite literally around the corner. And the spirit of the season contrasts strongly with the reality of the battle.

Canada’s top soldier, Gen. Rick Hillier, spent Christmas Eve with the troops on the front lines, and claims to be impressed by the continued strength of their morale, despite the obvious hardships and the long distance from their loved ones.

“People are focused on the job, they’re happy in what they’re doing, they believe in the mission they have and that’s the truth,” the Chief of Defence Staff affirms.

Meanwhile, the top man was ‘outranked’ by at least one other special guest – Santa Claus. He came by plane this year.

“Unfortunately my sleigh isn’t quite ready yet,” Kris Kringle reveals. “It’s being reinforced and up armoured, so they’re working on that. Hoping it will be ready for next year.”

He was also wearing something decidedly less Christmas-y: a government issued flak jacket underneath his traditional red suit. “Santa may be silly, Santa may be jolly, but Santa is certainly not stupid,” he avers.

When he took a break, “Santa” revealed himself to be Warrant Officer Jean Blain of Montreal, who explains why he took on the role.

“It’s the least I can do,” he shrugs, speaking from within the white beard. “I’m not a front line soldier although I’ve been out here on the front line in a support role. Considering the seriousness of the situation and what’s going on here, I thought the least I could do is come out here and spread a little Christmas joy.”

One female soldier asked Santa for a Leopard 2 tank, but the jolly old elf was forced to disappoint her, pointing out the problems with his sleigh.

But what many of the soldiers would really like, even Santa Claus can’t deliver – an end to the threat of the Taliban, a safe base for democracy and the chance to come home once and for all.

It’s a request the world’s most famous present-provider likely won’t be able to bring next year, either. Prime Minister Stephen Harper has extended Canada’s stay in the country until at least 2009.

Save this page on del.icio.us

Sign up for a del.icio.us account here to save your bookmarks for free online.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today