Last Canadian soldiers return from Afghanistan

March 18, 2104. Ottawa, Hangar 11. Today marked the end of Canada's part in the Afghanistan war, as the final troop deployment arrived home on Canadian soil. Military, families and dignitaries welcomed them home and presented the last Canadian flag to fly in Kabul. Afghanistan was Canada's largest military deployment since the Second World War, as well as its longest deployment ever. The conflict cost the lives of 158 Canadian soldiers, one diplomat, a journalist and two civilian contractors. The bill for the conflict is expected to exceed $22-billion, according to independent defence analysts.