Really , maybe you're just naturally confused.
I think what loyalist is saying (but I admit trying to speak for another person is intrinsically wrong..but I'll do it anyway till you guys clear the air) is that the antics and accomplishments of this guy would definitely not be trumpeted or extolled by our present gov't......trudeau and everyone post trudeau.
If that's what he was saying , you are both wrong.
I wonder if the CBC will even mention it?
It was mentioned on the CBC and they will be televising his funeral .
Do you think any of Canada's major newspapers will have some big spread on it.
Name one that didn't. Ottawa Citizen had his picture above the fold on the front page and a half page on his life on A3.
Do you think people like Carolyn Parish
Why would I care? Do you?
Paul Martin would make some kind of positive comment on the behalf of this very ordinary dude .
Canadian flags will be lowered to half-mast on Tuesday on government buildings, when Ernest (Smoky) Smith's remains will lie in the foyer of the House of Commons. His remains will also lie at the Seaforth Armoury in Vancouver, home to his regiment, the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, before he is buried in a full military funeral Aug. 13.
"I look forward to joining fellow Canadians in paying this last tribute to Sgt. 'Smoky' Smith - a great hero and man of honour," Prime Minister Paul Martin said Thursday in a release.
The buzzwords in Todays Canada
This isn't about buzz words.
Please clarify?
I'm saying some get it , Some never will. If you don't get it you never really belong here.
BTW....you should remember that your Dad was touring a WAR museum.
Yes a brand new WAR Museum, opened this spring at a cost of several hundred million dollars. Brought to you , if you ever get interested in actually visiting the place , by the people of Canada .
The young people they have working at places like this are well versed in etiquette. If he was walking around in his old uniform or out of uniform in most other places in canada (anywhere else in ottawa, downtown toronto or other parts of socialist, peace loving canada) you might be surprised by the lack of attention or negative reaction he might get.The point I am making is that you can't give a real reflection on how todays young society views the world wars or veterans for that matter based on the reaction you get a war museum. That's it ..that's all.
Yeah I've noticed the reaction old Vets get when they visit schools . Or march. Especially on November 11th. .
Perhaps you should go and stand in front of the Smoky Smith display at the museum , it's not very big but it is there . It is there so ALL the people who choose to visit will know his story. Might help your confusion.
Or try visiting a cenothap this November . Thousands of Canada's young do it every year. Call it etiquette , Call it what ever. They get it . That's why he belongs here.
The Department of National Defense, in conjunction with The Royal Canadian Legion is coordinating arrangements for the funeral and burial service, which will include a public ceremony.
http://www.pacificlegion.org/smokeysmith1.html
First of all it is easy to come online with your comments
after the dust settled for a few days, following the accolades from the federal gov't and the media.
I do have to say that I am pleasantly surprised. Just when
I think Canada is at the bottom of the barrel I get surprised with "normal" and expected "reactions", as opposed to all the abnormal and unexpected reactions one
usually gets from these two sources. I was
taken aback and I was wrong about that aspect. I admit it.
Secondly, people should care about the likes of Carolyn
parish. I think you should remember that Canada gets alot
of air time down in the states and people like Carolyn
aren't doing any favours with regards to the perception
of Canadians south of the border....and yes that is something we should all be concerned about.
As far as Paul Martin....once again pleasantly surprised.
Good job Paul. I was wrong again.
You are right........this isn't about buzzwords. Another
topic for another discussion.
What you said about a child's perception of a veteran
in or out of uniform is correct. I wasn't talking about
kids here. I was talking about adults and the general non
innocent adult population. And I wasn't talking about
commemoration ceremonies at a local cenotaph (sp). Of
course you have respect at these events because the
disrespectful stay away. You don't see athiests protesting
religion in a Catholic Church do you?
BTW...I am ex Military myself.
All I can say is when I see things like this perhaps there
is hope for Canada yet...but this is just a brief moment of
light in an otherwise darkened tunnel.
I think you should be keeping things in perspective here
and thoroughly evaluate how the Canada of today is being
governed and how the system in Canada works. Although once
again another topic for another discussion.
I suppose I mistakenly let this variance creep into this
conversation when it should not have creeped in.
This topic was about honouring a war veteran. The country
is going to do that, much to my surprise and it is
very nice to see.
I should re-iterate if there is one thing I am
not it is confused. Maybe when I am deciding on what kind
of beer I should be picking up given the circumstances
at my time of choosing.....but that's about it.
One thing to munch on..........Why isn't November 11th in
Canada a national holiday, like Veterans Day in the United
States....hmm......Shucks I guess I am confused on that one
also? Oh yea....whatever happened to the line "Merry Christmas in the Canadian Media"?
I wonder what guys like Smoky thought of that?Again....another discussion for another topic.
Finally I really have to hammer on your line "some get it,
some never will. If you don't get it you don't belong here".
You are right. But I will tell you there are millions
in Canada (and more than we would like to think) that
don't get it. I don't think I have to explain this one
to you. Unless you want me too?
I've nothing but respect for the likes of smoky smith.
I feel the same about a war hero or just a clerk who
served in the war. They were all there for the same
reason contributing in their own unique way.
Have a nice day.
Stimulating conversation anyway.