Editor:
Re: Time to remember, Nov. 14 letters.
I sincerely respect letter-writer J. Fortin’s opinion in last week’s Peace Arch News regarding the “commercialization” of Remembrance Day with music concerts, but clarification is needed.
In regards to the recent concert by members of the Stella Maris Concert Choir, we wish to say that our choir includes military veterans – one from the last Great War.
We are certainly not singing for money. We sing for the love of music and its ability to provide sublime insight into God’s love for humanity. Most of the proceeds we raise – we usually ask for donations or charge $8-$10 – are used to support charitable programs, such as the adoption of children in impoverished or war-torn countries, or as a means of underwriting the choir’s modest costs.
That said, Fortin’s suggestion that veterans should receive special admission is a good one, and we pledge that our next Remembrance Day concert will be free to all veterans.
Paul Griffin, White Rock
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After reading Jim Armstrong’s letter regarding applause at the City of White Rock’s Remembrance Day ceremony, I must respond.
He suggests, “Perhaps we should ask our schools to teach our children about this point of public behaviour.”
I am a teacher at White Rock Elementary. Our Remembrance Day Assembly was attended by all students and staff of the school, along with many parents, veterans, a school trustee and other VIP guests.
Even though the student MCs announced and reminded all attendees at the beginning of the assembly that this was a solemn, reflective occasion – and that applause was inappropriate – a good portion of the attendees still applauded after various performances. They were all adults!
The teachers had taught the students, and they listened attentively to the MCs.
After the assembly, my students actually asked me why the adults had applauded. Yes, they noticed. Pity that the adults were not as respectful and attentive as our students.
C. Nealy, White Rock
• • •
For all you people who have no time for Remembrance Day and need to go shopping in the U.S., no one is going to infringe on your freedom to do so.
Would it not have been possible to go Saturday or Sunday? The only reason you had that holiday on Monday was because of all the veterans who fought on your behalf.
I recall an incident, during the Second World War, when I was living in Montreal, and a young German teenager came up to our group and said, “Just you wait, Hitler will come and take over this country.” I remember feeling so sad.
To those people who do not care to ‘remember,’ perhaps if Hitler had taken over our wonderful country, they would be singing another tune besides O Canada.
Let’s get serious and put things in their proper perspective. Show some respect and count your blessings.
M. Downey, Surrey
