Should Remembrance Day be a Holiday ?- I Say NO!

Over the weekend I attended many Remembrance Day marches and dinners. Both the Acton and Georgetown Legions organized the ceremonies and the dinners honoring many of our vets as well as the marches honoring those brave women and men who have died for our country.

Both Legion's displayed pictures drawn by students depicting their interpretation of past wars. One which caught my eye was a student in Acton who drew a black and white picture of a field and a lone poppy. The poppy was slumped over with a tear coming from it. It was a powerful statement to make from someone so young.

There is a private member's bill in Ottawa wanting to make Remembrance Day a national holiday. I remember years ago when it was a holiday. Then it was called Armistice Day and eventually called Remembrance Day. As well meaning as it may sound to have a day of recognition for those who have paid the ultimate price I don't agree with it. Here's why. It is being called a holiday. If the kids are out of school I could see them taking it as a holiday. How can we engage our youth so that they will remember the 110,000 plus Canadians who have died for Canada while protecting our freedom and our way of life. They are better in school and learn from the teachers and read about the first and second world war, the Korean War, about the many peace keeping missions and of course the present Afghanistan war on terrorism. I could see hockey tournaments being organized if this was holiday. The meaning of Remembrance Day would be lost on a holiday. We need our kids in school so that they can hear the veterans who visit the schools and tell them what war was like so we don't repeat history. We need see our youth at the cenotaphs to see our present living veterans and say " thank you. "

As much as it may be a noble idea to honour our veterans with a holiday, I think the meaning would be lost by having a holiday.

It was so great to see the scouts, cubs, girl guides, Air Cadets and other youth orientated groups marching with the veterans to the cenotaphs. Watching them laying wreaths so we will not forget the fallen's sacrifice.

If you agree with me write your M.P.'s and tell them not to vote for a Remembrance Day Holiday.