But the harsh impact of those deaths over the last four years - reflected in questioning editorials, anti-war demonstrations and increasing concern over the direction of the mission - might suggest that Canadians have largely forgotten a military history that embraces more than 100,000 war dead over the last century.

Opinion polls seem to see-saw every time a flag-draped coffin comes home. Historians say Canadians raised on the "myth" of Canada as a nation of peacemakers, not warrior, are disturbed at the very notion of deaths in combat.

There have been 42 Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan since 2002. There have been several days in which four soldiers were killed.

Though any death is tragic, the losses in Afghanistan are low by historical standards.

Even the Boer War, an almost forgotten conflict more than 100 years ago, cost 277 Canadian lives. Article continues....

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