I couldn’t believe the headline… ‘Sask government poppy protection bill passes.’
Apparently, some companies – and even government agencies – had asked people to not wear a Poppy at work. The concern? If you allow this “cause” there will be demand for others. There were also health and safety issues.
Seriously?
The Poppy is not a cause – it’s a sign of respect and appreciation for those who have and continue to serve our country and for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in that service. It’s not a disease, it’s not a movement, it’s not an ideology, and to lump it in with those issues makes no sense to me.
Ask a soldier, and they will say that’s what they fought for – the freedom to live your life as you want. They kept evil away so you can have the freedoms you do. And for a short two-week period, we display that appreciation.
Worried about the pin? Take precautions, but don’t ban it. The owie you’ll get from the pinprick is nothing compared to what a soldier went through for you.
This isn’t new. Air Canada made a similar decision in 2016 that was quickly reversed. And Canada is in their name! I don’t know what people are thinking when they come up with this stuff.
I heard a comedian once say that when men turn 50 they become obsessed with the Second World War. I must admit, I’ve watched more than my share of documentaries and films in the past few years. The sacrifice these brave people went through was incredible. If we forget the past, we are doomed to repeat it.
Sorry, I’ll be wearing my Poppy proudly and with deep respect.
Lest we forget.
Brad Sherwin, MBA is a long-time resident of South Delta, and has more than 30 years’ experience in marketing, public relations and business strategy. He teaches post-secondary marketing, coaches hockey goalies and is past-president of Deltassist.
