Firstly, no disrespect toward those poor and brave people whom chose to purchase from the reigning governance of the time, a ticket to battle-conflict taking place in some other part of the world other than Canada. Sold on the conviction that such action would save the conflict from spilling over to our shores by the perceived enemy of the day.
On the face of it Remembrance Day is a noble and unselfish recognition of those whom gave their life or were seriously harmed, in the course of duty on behalf of the nation for which they served however, the hypocrisy from a national perspective, lies in the simple fact that such an auspicious and solemn day to remember is not given to a national holiday.
By comparison, the federal government deems Banks important and significant enough to the interests of the nation, to decree a national holiday the first day of August of the year. Do not the men and women of the military service warrant equally, a day of national day of mourning?
One possible simple reason: were such a day so decreed most would likely spend it visiting the local mall for the Remembrance Day Sale, not for what it rightly deserves obviously. More likely, because commercial interests realized early there were few respectful ways to take advantage of the free time; so why give people the day off.
The above is definitely a cynical view expressed from an underlying sentiment: all conflicts of war initiated by those whom are least likely to find themselves on the battlefield; put to a command of those whom are cultivated and desperate for opportunity to display their prowess and ability; and then, put upon the shoulders of common men and women to make the ultimate sacrifice and their families, who are left to suffer the pain of such loss.
This cynicism is further fueled by the purported cost-saving policy of the Canadian federal government to retire service people months short of qualifying for full pension following ten years of military service. Now that is something worth mournful remembrance.
naykdpoet 