Editor:
This is the time of year that I grit my teeth due to the emphasis on the term “war veteran” by the media and other pundits.
It has been decades since we had a war, and the concentration on Second World War events, and, to a much lesser extent Korea, leaves out thousands of veterans who served during the Cold War and on the many “peacekeeping” missions around the world that filled the gap between Korea and Afghanistan.
Many who served in NATO forces and as peacekeepers were shot at and often gave their lives in Canada’s service. Even the federally sanctioned Peacekeeping Day on Aug. 6 receives short shrift from most communities and the media.
We forget that many of the so-called “war veterans” served in Canada and the U.K., without hearing a shot fired in anger, and still earn the magic – and benefits – of the war veteran designation.
My thoughts on Remembrance Day turn to old comrades who faced danger with just a flag and a notebook and couldn’t fire back, including those killed in training mishaps who died because they volunteered for service but remain forgotten.
Individuals come to my mind such as Regimental Sgt. Maj. Dick Buxton who died in a parachuting mishap, Maj. George Findlay who died in an autobahn accident while serving with NATO in Germany; Lt.-Col. George Flint who was killed in Gaza; Capt. Dick Patton who was held hostage by the Viet Cong in Vietnam and who was later killed by a sniper in Cyprus; The Patricias’ best regimental sergeant major, Mick Austin, who held that rank from his 22nd birthday, during the Second World War, until his death in Halifax.
Yes, there are innumerable memories of those who served, were injured or killed, came away unscathed but have not been fully recognized, as most Canadians believe that nothing of note happened between the Second World War, Korea and Afghanistan.
Until we stop glorifying “war veterans” and acknowledge that all veterans contribute and put their life on the line at the government’s whim, regardless of where they serve, will we acknowledge our military’s huge contribution to Canada’s stature as a caring nation.
Don Robertson, White Rock
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It was a privilege to be able to stand there in silence, remembering the uniformed men and women who gave their life so that we can be free.
Sadly, never mentioned are all the civil men and women who lived in occupied countries, opposing the intruders in any form they could.
For some, there are individual memorials in those countries, to draw the attention to those who are alive today but rarely think to remember, as that was in the past.
In today’s society, the attitude is “we want more.” So few of the younger generations are present at these memorial events. That view was demonstrated by schools providing the opportunity to refuse to honour.
One of those recognitions was and is the wearing of a poppy, a national tradition.
Suan H. Booiman, White Rock
Remembrance subverted
MP Russ Hiebert has sunk to a new low with his latest mailing.
After lately using his taxpayer-funded mail-out for blatant electioneering, now he wishes his constituents to rate the parties in which best supports veterans.
You own editorial of Nov. 8 (Our veterans deserve better) underlines some of the injustices to veterans due to the present federal government. What nerve, to subvert Canadians’ remembrance of our veterans by turning it into a partisan, political contest.
Hiebert (South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale) should have stopped with his reminder of the two battles. How low can one go?
Keith Enns, Surrey