A new engraving will be put on the City of Windsor’s Cenotaph to honour veterans of the Afghanistan War.

The city is also placing a memorial for Canadian peacekeepers in Coventry Gardens, the park at the foot of Pilette Rd.

Afghan War Veteran Mike Akpata says the memorial is important not just for veterans but for the education of future generations. “Having lost friends, having come home changed, having recognized the peace of this room [council chambers] and watching democracy work I say this to you. The simple inscriptions, the simple monument will serve to remind countless generations of Windsorites and members of Essex County what we believe as Canadians, that there is a price for peace and we are willing to pay for it.”

Work will begin immediately on both memorials. Veterans would like to see the engraving done by May 9, the day chosen by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to recognize the Afghanistan War. They also hope to have the peacekeepers memorial complete by August 9, International Peacekeepers Day.