Letter to the Editor,
On November 11th, 2017 I attended the ceremonies held at the Creston cenotaph to honour and remember our veterans. As a former member of the Canadian Forces this day, in particular, has meant much to me over the years.
This year I was very upset when the requisite Two Minutes of Silence (mandated by the Royal Canadian Legion) http://www.legion.ca/remembrance/promoting-remembrance/two-minutes-of-silence was missed/overlooked/forgotten.
The primary reason for my, and others, being there was to acknowledge, by our respectful Two Minutes of Silence, the contribution of those who did not come home; those who did come home, but with long-term injuries, regardless of form; and those who were fortunate enough to come home, or serve at home, without any lasting effects of having served.
Last year there were issues with the flags which I noted and should have addressed at that time (my bad for not doing so). There are protocols in place and all active participants need to be made aware of them and they should be adhered to. I’ve witnessed incidents during the ceremonies that should not occur.
This event is held once a year and, in my opinion, for what’s its worth, should receive significantly greater attention in order to ensure that we get it right for our Veterans. They did.
Not forgotten on this day, was the placing of the wreaths by governments, Service organizations and local business. I appreciate their willingness to fund the activities of the Legion in exchange for acknowledgment. This portion of the ceremony took substantively longer than two minutes. Irony intended.
I have a suggestion/proposal for those “in charge”.
What if, instead of hearing “Joe Simpson for Joe’s Emporium”, local senior combat veterans (those who are able) were to be acknowledged by having them place a wreath on behalf of a local business, “Captain Robert Franklin, Korea, 1952 to 1953, on behalf of Joe’s Emporium”, or “Corporal David Wilson, Afghanistan, 2003 to 2005, on behalf of Spears Esso”.
Those in attendance, adults, and children, would be made aware of those veterans who reside in their community. A meaningful gesture to those who are deserving, and the recognition of the local business contributor.
November 11th should be about those who’ve served. They have earned our respect.
Ron Choquette, Creston