This week the last Canadians left Afghanistan, they were part of a hundred strong training component. Two responses, one reflective by a Canadian journalist:
At many National Hockey League games in Canada, members of the Canadian Forces are introduced. Far from turning their faces away, as in the song about wounded Australian soldiers returning from the First World War, fans rise for a standing ovation.

(Later) Sacrifice and danger brought the military a respect it had been lacking, which is what the military men who bought into the Afghan mission were hoping would happen. They were right in these domestic hopes, but largely wrong in their Afghan ones.
Link:http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe...ticle17485848/

I wonder if the public impact is partly due to the extensive use of reservists? As noted by others with the Danish contribution.

Then there is the blatant crowing by the Taliban:
Your sacrifices have brought us freedom. The beacons of your blood have lit the way to independence. Celebrate the victory and freedom from the Canadians..
Link:http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/03...ushpmg00000067