Afghan War Veteran Mike Akpata Reflects on Sacrifice and Responsibility

By: Kenneth Pastushyn, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter

“Why did they do it?” asked LaSalle’s Deputy Mayor, Mike Akpata, one of the speakers at this year’s ceremony in LaSalle. “They did it so we can revel in our citizenship.”

And with citizenship, added Akpata, brings responsibilities.

The responsibilities Akpata is referring to include making our community better, making our world better and to be better people.

“For those of us who have fought and for those of us who have lost colleagues, this is what we ask of you,” said Akpata, a Canadian veteran who served in Afghanistan. “Be decent, be kind…”

Akpata, then a master corporal with the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment was attached to the Second Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment as an infantry soldier in 2007. It was Canada’s longest war which took place from 2002-14.

“My war ended 14 years ago,” said Akpata. “I fought with young people who are 18 turning 19. I fought with people young enough to be my children. My son is actually older than some of the young people I fought with.”

Akpata also said 158 Canadians were killed in Afghanistan. Twenty-two of them were killed during his tour and 246 were injured.

“Was it worth it?” he asked, both the war veteran and deputy mayor. “I look at our community and I say yes, because we are free.”

Akpata emphasized the importance of remembering the fallen and ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. He goes on to talk about a 25-year-old soldier who stepped on a landmine during a reconnaissance patrol in Afghanistan. To Akpata, he is a Canadian hero, not because of how he died but because of how he lived and what he believed.

“He wrote the people of Canada a cheque and paid for it with his life,” added Akpata.

“For those of us who came back, we gather every year on Remembrance Day, peacefully celebrating these flags,” he said, turning around and pointing to the Maple Leaf, the Union Jack, and the flag of the Province of Ontario.

“The flag is nothing but a piece of cloth until I add you,” said Deputy Mayor Akpata. “It is your conviction that makes this the greatest country, the greatest province and the greatest municipality in the world.”

Today, Akpata, 57, is too old to rejoin his regiment, the Essex and Kent Scottish. But his heart and mind will always be with the men, women, soldiers, sailors, and aircrew around the world wearing the Maple Leaf.

“For those of us who fought, every day is Remembrance Day,” he explained. “Freedom isn’t free.”

Akpata, and many others who returned, continue to fight those battles, which are constantly in their minds repeatedly. His veteran pier group lost more than 200 members since the end of the war in

Afghanistan. Compare that number to the 158 Canadians who died in actual combat.

“There’s a price, Canadian families have paid and continue to pay,” said Akpata.

“From this simple soldier, thank you.”