As the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks is commemorated in the United States, Canada reflects on its significant military involvement in the global fight against terrorism that followed. Nearly 3,000 individuals lost their lives when hijackers took control of four airplanes that crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
The attacks prompted Canada’s ambassador to NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) to invoke Article Five for the first time, declaring that an attack on one member constitutes an attack on all. In solidarity with the United States, Canada joined its allies in military action aimed at overthrowing the Taliban regime that was sheltering al-Qaeda, the terrorist group led by Osama bin Laden responsible for the attacks.
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces were deployed to Afghanistan in December 2001, initiating 13 years of ongoing combat and training operations. By the time Canada concluded its military involvement in 2014, over 40,000 soldiers had participated in the mission, marking the longest military engagement in Canadian history and the largest deployment since the Second World War. Tragically, alongside the civilian casualties, 158 Canadian soldier lives were lost during the Afghanistan conflict.
Among the fallen was Private Demetrios Diplaros, a 24-year-old former resident of Scarborough. His father, Anargyros “Jerry” Diplaros, has been mourning his son’s loss for almost 18 years. Jerry reminisced about Demetrios, describing him as a typical young boy with aspirations in sports and video games. Following their work together at Cineplex, Demetrios pursued his dream of joining the military, inspired by his father's legacy.
Jerry recalled a poignant final conversation between Demetrios and his sister, which occurred amid gunfire. Demetrios’ last words were, "'Sorry, I love you, but I have to go,' before hanging up the phone," conveying the gravity of the situation he faced.
Lt.-Col. Trevor Norton, currently at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto, served multiple deployments in Afghanistan. He compared the intensity of combat to that experienced during the First and Second World Wars, though on a smaller scale. For Norton, the events of 9/11 are closely linked to his military service and personal identity. He described combat as an “extreme environment,” stressing that shared losses among soldiers deeply affect their morale and sense of purpose.
Norton recalled emotional repatriation ceremonies at CFB Trenton for fallen military personnel, noting the overwhelming support from Canadians during those somber moments. He expressed gratitude for the national solidarity, emphasizing its importance as Canadian Armed Forces personnel continue to participate in global operations, such as Operation Reassurance in Latvia.
Canadian Firefighters' Solidarity After 9/11
Former president of the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (TPFFA), Jim Lee, reflected on the aftermath of 9/11. In the weeks following the attacks, Lee was in contact with New York City firefighters, recognizing the extensive effort required to assist in the search and rescue operations at the World Trade Center. Though emergency officials discouraged outside support, fundraising efforts arose in Canada to aid the orphans and widows of fallen firefighters. Lee praised the Canadian citizens for their generosity during this time of national grief and solidarity.
In addition to fundraising, Lee organized visits for New York City firefighters to Ontario to provide them respite from their harrowing experiences. The Canadian firefighters facilitated various recreational activities, including a baseball game and a trip to a golf course, helping their American counterparts cope with the aftermath of the tragedy.
Joseph Dittmar, a retired insurance executive, recounted his escape from the World Trade Center South Tower on that fateful day. He expressed profound gratitude for the support received from Canadians, stating that every act of kindness was appreciated by those who survived. Dittmar honored the service members who volunteered to fight in Afghanistan post-9/11, acknowledging their sacrifices as pivotal in making the world safer, even as challenges remain.
Jerry Diplaros concluded with a message urging everyone to remember the sacrifices of veterans, particularly on Remembrance Day. He encouraged people to wear poppies, express gratitude, and observe moments of silence in respect of those who served and continue to serve.
