EDMONTON – It’s a mission that began shortly after the fall of the twin towers in New York. And now, 12 year later, Canada’s mission to Afghanistan is nearing its completion.

Wednesday, March 12 will officially mark the end of Canada’s tour. As a way to commemorate the work tens of thousands of Canadians have done in the war-torn country, the Alberta Government will begin the day by lowering all flags to half-mast. At noon, those flags will be raised to full height to mark the return of Canada’s last troops.

“It’s an incredibly significant day,” said Alberta’s Education Minister Jeff Johnson. “When the Canadian flag comes down for the last time at the base in Afghanistan, it’s going to be very symbolic.”

The province is also looking to use the end of the mission as a learning experience, by bringing the ceremony and history of the mission into Alberta schools.

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“We want activities and ceremonies in the schools,” Johnson said. “Today’s graduating class was in kindergarten when Albertans first left on this mission, and March 12th gives us a rare opportunity for students to watch history unfold in their classrooms while exploring ideas about leadership, community, sacrifice, citizenship and ethics.”

Two Edmonton students who are all too familiar with the work done by Canadians in Afghanistan are Brooke and Elizabeth Bulger.

“Soldiers fought for our country,” said nine-year-old Brooke.

In 2009, Brooke and Elizabeth’s dad, Corporal Nick Bulger, was killed by a roadside bomb near Kandahar. The 30-year-old soldier was one of 46 Alberta-based soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty in Afghanistan.

“He was everything, everything to me. He was my best friend,” Brooke said.

Those based at the Edmonton Garrison say they’re very appreciative of the support they’ve received by the government and all Albertans over the past 12 years, and believe bringing the mission into the classroom is a great move.

“It connects them to what Canadians do abroad for Canadians. And it enables us to teach them what happened over in Afghanistan during the 12 years and let them draw their own conclusions,” said Lieutenant Colonel Scott Long, Chief of Operations, 3rd Canadian Division Support Group.

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Having done two tours in Afghanistan, Long says a lot has changed and it’s important that students and all Canadians know of the progress made by those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Girls couldn’t go to school. But after 12 years it’s a much safer place, kids are in school, the Afghans now have the capacity to chart their own future,” Long said.

“I lived it. They didn’t. I think it’s important to teach them.” Tweet This

“I know that Albertans want to make sure that we’re saying thank you and that we’re recognizing the sacrifice,” Johnson added. “But we’re also celebrating the great successes, like the fact there’s seven million kids in school over there now. And there was only a million before Canadians went there.”

Brooke says she’s looking forward to the ceremony at her school.

“People should understand that this is what they did for the country and they did it for all the people that survived.”

The flag-lowering ceremony in Kabul will be streamed live on the Government of Canada’s website.

Follow @CaleyRamsay

With files from Vinesh Pratap, Global News.