In Pictures: Canadian soldiers arrive home
Canada marked the end of its participation in the Afghanistan war as the last soldiers returned home from a mission that spanned 12 years and cost the lives of 162 Canadians.
Two CF-18 fighter planes escort a Canadian C-17 Globemaster as it does a fly-past before landing at the airport with the final troops returning from Afghanistan, Tuesday March 18, 2014 in Ottawa.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
The last Canadian soldiers returning from Afghanistan are greeted by dignitaries as they deplane in Ottawa March 18, 2014. Canada's 12-year mission in Afghanistan has formally ended.BLAIR GABLE/Reuters
Canadian Army Major General Dean Milner (2nd L) shakes hands with Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper (C) after arriving from Afghanistan, in Ottawa March 18, 2014. Canada's 12-year mission in Afghanistan has formally ended.BLAIR GABLE/Reuters
Lt.-Cmdr. Gina Connor (right) kisses her mother Liliana Creelman as her daughter Cassie Connor (left) looks on as she arrives in Ottawa, Tuesday, March 18, 2014 as the last Canadian soldiers to leave Afghanistan arrive home.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
Canadian Army Master Corporal Anthony Alliot (C) embraces Sarah Tooth during a ceremony after arriving from Afghanistan, in Ottawa March 18, 2014. Canada's 12-year mission in Afghanistan has formally ended.BLAIR GABLE/Reuters
MCpl Anthony Alliot is greeted by his girlfriend Sarah Tooth as he arrives at the airport as the last members of the Canadian Forces return to Canada Tuesday, March 18, 2014 in Ottawa.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
Leading Seaman Brett Price (R) is reunited with his wife Brittany and daughter Brynlee after arriving from Afghanistan, in Ottawa March 18, 2014. Canada's 12-year mission in Afghanistan has formally ended.BLAIR GABLE/Reuters
Corporal Mike Bosica holds his son Jaxyn during a ceremony after arriving from Afghanistan, in Ottawa March 18, 2014. Canada's 12-year mission in Afghanistan has formally ended.BLAIR GABLE/Reuters
Warrant Officer Josie Swyer (R) hugs her brother Roy Swyer after arriving from Afghanistan, in Ottawa March 18, 2014. Canada's 12-year mission in Afghanistan has formally ended.BLAIR GABLE/Reuters
Corporal Danny Berube holds his son Jaxx after arriving from Afghanistan, in Ottawa March 18, 2014. Canada's 12-year mission in Afghanistan has formally ended.BLAIR GABLE/Reuters