Prime Minister Stephen Harper says Canadians are safer and Canada is stronger – because of the sacrifices of those who served in Afghanistan.

Hundreds of troops and thousands of spectators crowded together on Parliament Hill today – for ceremonies marking the National Day of Honour – to remember those who took part in Canada’s 12-year Afghan mission.

Harper says in addition to 158 soldiers – a diplomat, a reporter, contractors and private aid workers also died in the performance of their duties.

And he says to remember them is our commitment.

A group of 19 Canadians who were injured during their time in Afghanistan presented the last Canadian flag to fly in Kabul.