Observations of a News Junkie

Remembering

November 9, 2010 at 6:23 pm (News, Rants)

I am always proud to be Canadian on Remembrance Day, poppy pinned to my jacket. Even as I mourn for those who died in war, I am thankful they were willing to go and fight. I’d like to think I’m that patriotic, but I’m not sure I would make it through basic training.

There’s been some discussion lately about making Nov. 11 a statuatory holdiay in the province. Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba are the only ones that do not have a day off, minus government employees. Originally I thought it was a great idea, a new method for us to honour our veterans. While I still don’t think it’s a terrible suggestion, I read a column this morning that changed my perspective.

Does a day off really make us think about what the day is about? Does it make it more sacred? A new stat holiday in the middle of the week might not be all it’s cracked up to be. More people would be able to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony … but would they actually go? Or would everyone just sleep in and spend more time on Facebook? At least now, everyone at work or school participates in some way, even if it’s just marking the moment of silence.

I have great memories of watching my brother play the Last Post at the cenotaph in Cornwall, seeing tears slide down cheeks as wreaths are laid, standing in the cold and snow and thinking that it’s nothing compared to what our soldiers deal with. I’d love a day off for Remembrance Day, no question. But only as long as it increases our awareness of our Canadian Forces and allows us to better honour them. If it simply becomes another day that doesn’t require punching in the clock, but has no other importance, then I don’t want it.

Oh, and I also think the white poppy group is way out of touch. By introducing the symbol as a way to promote peace, it is taking away from the respect and honour paid to our veterans and soldiers. Their heart is probably in the right place, but their methods certainly aren’t.