Editor:
I attended the Remembrance Day ceremony in Ladner on Sunday with my two teenage sons and two of their friends. It is always such a solemn occasion, no more so, than on the 100th anniversary of the armistice of the First World War.
It can be a day of high emotion and I mention this to give some room to the feelings, and perhaps some of the experiences, people have had in our wars.
But I want to offer up some perspective to the tall, grey-haired man in his 60s, wearing grey pants and proper blue blazer, who turned around and chastised a family of four who were standing behind him. Yes, everyone should pay reverence to the fallen, and perhaps the mom and the dad were talking during the 10 to 15 minutes as the wreaths were laid at the cenotaph. While you had a point, your tone left a lot to be desired. It could have been delivered differently. You embarrassed them publicly.
But you might think about this. At least that family showed up. There were probably 2,000 to 3,000 who did so. We live in a South Delta community of 40,000-plus. It is but one and a half hours we give up each year to honour those who sacrificed their all for us. While many can work on their comportment, I would rather spend my time and energy thinking about the positive elements of their attendance. I am glad they showed up to model for their children the importance and sanctity of this day.
I hope they read this letter. And I hope they show up again.
And I am glad you showed up as well, and sincerely hope you will continue to do so.
Murray Pratt
