Flag Frenzy
I do find it interesting what we as a society can manage to get so riled up over. Much of print and blog has been dedicated as of late to the whole issue surrounding whether or not the Canadian Flag should be lowered on the Peace Tower with each and every soldier's death. I think what's even more shameful is that we've even engaged in this debate as extensively as we have... to the point of overshadowing the actual deaths themselves. It doesn't matter what side of the fence you're on: you have to admit that the focus is probably not where it should be.
My own take on this whole flag flap, after reading numerous commentary on the subject, is that the Peace Tower should not lower the flag with each soldier's death. Let's not forget that flags are being lowered at their home bases, DND headquarters, as well as other locations. I think that the government decision to adhere to a more traditional policy has been overly sensationalized by the media to the point of insanity.
Personally, I enjoy and appreciate the annual ceremonies on Remembrance Day. They are wonderful opportunities to think and reflect on the scarifices made for past, present, and future generations. It really is a shame that more and more people look on the occasion as just another holiday.
People have disagreed with the position but I do believe that existing in a perpetual state of mourning runs a huge risk of cheapening the act of remembrance even further. Excessive repetition of flag-lowering, however well intended, makes the experience less significant in my mind.
Critics need to understand that for most supporters of the Tory decision, there is no disrespect intended for these brave men. There's no need to get all uppity over the location of the flag at one particular location. I don't see this as an attempt to hide the fact that people are dying. I see this move as a way to treat all soldiers who pay the ultimate with the respect that they all equally deserve. I would much rather see the Maple Leaf flying tall and proud more of the time than not... but that's just me.
Both sides have good solid points for their positions. Maybe it's time to dwell a little bit more on what sparked this whole controversy: the actual deaths of these four brave men. Let the media foam at the mouth over this and the other related issues. Real, meaningful mourning can happen, and is happening, deep in the hearts of many Canadians despite the placement of the flag or the ability to print a few choice pictures.
To those who say that we cannot honour our fallen comrades without a flag at half-mast, ask yourself if your intense scrutiny over such a trivial matter has really helped in that cause.
My own take on this whole flag flap, after reading numerous commentary on the subject, is that the Peace Tower should not lower the flag with each soldier's death. Let's not forget that flags are being lowered at their home bases, DND headquarters, as well as other locations. I think that the government decision to adhere to a more traditional policy has been overly sensationalized by the media to the point of insanity.
Personally, I enjoy and appreciate the annual ceremonies on Remembrance Day. They are wonderful opportunities to think and reflect on the scarifices made for past, present, and future generations. It really is a shame that more and more people look on the occasion as just another holiday.
People have disagreed with the position but I do believe that existing in a perpetual state of mourning runs a huge risk of cheapening the act of remembrance even further. Excessive repetition of flag-lowering, however well intended, makes the experience less significant in my mind.
Critics need to understand that for most supporters of the Tory decision, there is no disrespect intended for these brave men. There's no need to get all uppity over the location of the flag at one particular location. I don't see this as an attempt to hide the fact that people are dying. I see this move as a way to treat all soldiers who pay the ultimate with the respect that they all equally deserve. I would much rather see the Maple Leaf flying tall and proud more of the time than not... but that's just me.
Both sides have good solid points for their positions. Maybe it's time to dwell a little bit more on what sparked this whole controversy: the actual deaths of these four brave men. Let the media foam at the mouth over this and the other related issues. Real, meaningful mourning can happen, and is happening, deep in the hearts of many Canadians despite the placement of the flag or the ability to print a few choice pictures.
To those who say that we cannot honour our fallen comrades without a flag at half-mast, ask yourself if your intense scrutiny over such a trivial matter has really helped in that cause.
posted by Jason at 4:49 p.m.
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