The showcase of unscripted, direct-to-camera interviews, preserving the stories of Canadians who served in the Balkans from 1992 to 2004. No central repository has captured what Canadians accomplished and endured.
TORONTO – April 20, 2026 – Balkans35 Showcase brings to a worldwide audience the accounts of Canadians who deployed to the Balkans during some of the most challenging Peacekeeping Operations since the Korean War. Forty-Thousand Canadians deployed to the Balkans under United Nations and NATO mandates. Twenty-three gave their lives.
https://theveteranschannel.com/
Storytelling as a Path to Healing
A growing body of research confirms that when veterans hear stories from fellow veterans who share similar experiences, it is a powerful catalyst for healing; psychologists call it “experiential credibility.”
“The Balkans35 Showcase breaks the silence. By airing veteran first-hand accounts on The Veterans Channel, this showcase creates a virtual peer community. Balkans35 Showcase is more than preservation, it is recognition. Recognition initiates the healing process.”
– Henah Hannah, VMCC Founder & CEO
https://theveteranschannel.com/
Share Your Story
Balkans35 endeavours to interview a minimum of 500 Canadians connected to the Balkans Missions. The goal is to hear directly from as-many-as 1,500. Whether you served with the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP, Police Services, Border Services, Correctional Service Canada, CIDA, or are a family member, your story matters.
www.balkans35.ca/
Support the Project
This initiative relies on the generosity of Canadians. Charitable donations fund the commemorative events planned for 2027, museum displays, documentary films, and audio-visual history project.
www.balkans35.ca/
About VETERANS MEDIA CANADA CORPORATION
VETERANS MEDIA CANADA CORPORATION is the first and only independent media solutions provider for the military and veteran market, uniquely positioned at the intersection of content, community, and commerce. VMCC offers a full spectrum of engagement: Military Advertising Bureau for unparalleled brand access, Film Production and Film Distribution to amplify veteran voices globally. Its flagship platform, The Veterans Channel™, is the free 24/7 video-on-demand streaming service dedicated to authentic veteran storytelling. To partner or collaborate with Veterans Media veteransmedia.com | info@veteransmedia.com
About the Balkans 35th Commemoration
The Balkans 35th Commemoration is a volunteer, veteran-led initiative to preserve the legacy of Canadian peacekeeping and stability operations in the Balkans. The Executive Committee is chaired by Major (Ret’d) Paul Hale, MSM, CD. Paul’s military career spanned almost 42 years with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and the Reserves. He deployed overseas eight times including Cyprus, Angola, South Africa, the Balkans and Afghanistan.
balkans35.ca
Social media:
Veterans Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/
Balkans 35th Commemoration:
Balkans35 Media contact:
Mike Vernon
communications@
