History Came To Life At CFB Wainwright

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For two days in late July, Canadian Forces Base Wainwright became more than a military training ground—it became the backdrop for one of Canada’s most recognizable history projects.

Historica Canada brought cast and crew to the base on July 23 and 24 to film its newest Heritage Minute (directed by Anita Ayres) this one telling the story of Canadian Armed Forces Captain Jonathan Snyder and the courage he displayed during his final deployment to Afghanistan.

“The Minute is intended to be a tribute to all of the Canadians, the 40,000 Canadians who served in the Afghanistan campaign over twelve years, particularly the 158 who never came home,” said Anthony Wilson-Smith, President & CEO, Historica Canada.

The production transformed parts of the base into scenes representing Afghanistan, giving filmmakers an authentic military setting while honouring the service and sacrifice of Canadian Armed Forces members.

Captain Snyder, a member of the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, earned the Star of Military Valour for his actions during an intense firefight in Afghanistan in June 2008. While mentoring Afghan National Army soldiers, his unit came under heavy enemy attack. Despite the danger, Snyder took charge, helping organize the defence, encouraging the Afghan troops to hold their ground and coordinating the evacuation of wounded soldiers. His leadership is credited with saving approximately 90 to 100 lives of both Canadian and Afghan personnel.

Just days later, during another operation, Snyder was killed while on patrol. He was 26 years old.

His story will now become part of the Heritage Minute collection, a series that has introduced generations of Canadians to the people and moments that have shaped the country’s history. For more than 35 years, the one-minute films have been used in classrooms, museums and on television to bring significant Canadian stories to life.

While the cameras, costumes and production crews were only in Wainwright for a short time, the impact of the project will last much longer. By choosing CFB Wainwright as the filming location, the production not only captured an authentic military environment but also highlighted the important role military communities continue to play in preserving Canada’s history.

Wilson-Smith said, “We have felt for some time that the service in Afghanistan has not had the recognition that, for example, Second World War veterans have always had, even though the level of danger was every bit as high, to say the least.”

Once released in November before Remembrance Day, the Heritage Minute will ensure Captain Jonathan Snyder’s courage, leadership and sacrifice continue to be remembered by Canadians for generations to come.