The Idea

 Here we have a scout car, with UN markings. This is a standard vehicle for peacekeeping missions.

It was a Canadian idea, the notion of neutral countries providing soldiers as peacekeepers between hostile parties. Lester Pearson was the foreign minister at the time, and later the Prime Minister, and he was the driving force behind the concept, in response to de-escalating the Suez Crisis. For his efforts, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Canadians have served in numerous peacekeeping missions.

One of the most dangerous was to Crete- a mission that is still active today. Canadians served during the most tense times of the mission, and a Crete cafe is reproduced here, along with panels and artifacts.

This striking painting is Paphos Gate, C-73, Observation Post, Cyprus, by Real Gauthier.

Canadian women became a regular member of the Forces after having had served in various support capacities in the world wars. Contemporary uniforms are seen here.

This is the field gun of a reservist unit.

Looking ahead, the ending of the Cold War, with Reagan, Thatcher, and Gorbachev looking back at us from banners overhead.

But the twilight of the Cold War would be some of its most dangerous times.