An Idea For Remembrance

This weekend's paper gave me what I think might be a great idea for Remembering Canada's War Dead.

The article was about commemoration services regarding the Canadian Victory at Kapyong during the Korean War (1950-53). A War that in theory continues to this very day since no Peace Treaty was signed.

But I digress.

Last week the news on the Veteran Front was the anniversary of our Victory at Vimy Ridge on April 9, 1917. The victory that forged Canada into a Nation.

These are but two commemorations. There are others - Dieppe, D-Day, The Battle of the North Atlantic and so on.

All of these stand out, but I fear with so many "Remembrances", the overall purpose of them tends - over time, to be themselves diminished.

What about reserving our Remembrance for just one day a year? Say November - and why not have it on the 11th day at the 11th hour - the time the War to End all Wars ceased in 1918?

And make it a national holiday - where everything stops from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. to enable those wishing to attend - the time to do so.

This would include Ontario teachers who many years ago gave up the November 11th "holiday" in return for more time off at Christmas.

I guess from that statement November the 11th is already partially set aside for Remembrance!

Let's though make it the real occasion where we come together, as a people, to remember all who served on our behalf, especially those who made the Supreme Sacrifice.

And when speaking of coming together, we have seen recently efforts underway to reproduce the Vimy Memorial here in Ottawa. We already have a Memorial here in Ottawa called the National Memorial which, over the years, has fulfilled its sacred role quite admirably.

We don't need two Vimy Memorials. As one who has visited the Real McCoy just outside Arras France - where by the way my grandfather Jim was wounded and nearby to where his brother Bob lies buried, I can attest personally to the fact that a second Vimy Memorial - even if built identically to the first, would end up being but a poor imitation.

As I see it..

"Galagher"