To the editor,
Remembrance Day is just a few days away. While it is a day for respect and reflection, in me it stirs up frustration and anger at the actions of some Nanaimo citizens.
For several years our scout group, along with guides, brownies and so on have joined the parade. Scouting groups have a long history and association with our country’s defence. It has been an honour for us to be asked to take part year after year. Last year, however, many citizens decided that we didn’t matter. As our parade entered the memorial area near the cenotaph, they walked in front of us and blocked our entrance. Dozens of youths, who got up that morning and put on their uniforms to carry flags and remember the sacrifice of our service men and women, were cut off from the ceremony. Many could not see or hear what was going on.
To add insult to injury, as we marched back, many citizens decided that it was more important for them to get to the other side of the street before we passed by, and walked through the middle of the parade.
We spend so much time trying to instill respect into our youth, and teach them appropriate behavior, and this is the role model they see.
I don’t know about you, but that makes me very sad, very frustrated, and even angry. Hopefully this year will not have the same show of disrespect and selfishness.
W.D. Dean, Nanaimo