Remembrance Day - Reverence and Respect

Lest We Forget

I would like to start off this post by thanking our servicemen and women both past and present for the sacrifices that they have made for this wonderful, though admittedly flawed at times, nation.

With that said, I would like to address something that I've been noticing more and more at the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies held downtown at Oshawa's Memorial Park.

A Graveside Service

Remembrance Day is not a political platform, or a concert. It is not a performance, but a display of respect and quiet admiration and it is meant to be treated as a graveside service. Because of this, applause should be held out of respect.

I understand that national pride is at its peak at this time of year, as it should be, and that you have the freedom to express that in the way that best-suits your feelings. However, I would ask you this; would you stand and applaud at a funeral? Would you whoop and holler when the master of ceremonies pauses during his address to those gathered in mourning? Of course not, and if you did, someone at the funeral is likely to knock your teeth out or at the very least, ask you to leave. So, why should a Remembrance Day ceremony be any different to you?

Ladies and gentlemen, you are gathered, whether you are aware of it or not, to show respect for the fallen as well as those still living. You are in the presence of the spirit of our nation, the soul of our military heritage, and that should be a sobering honour. Unfortunately this year, I heard a number of people yelling and clapping after the moment of silence, and honestly? It made me sick.

I accept that not everyone attended R.S. McLaughlin C.V.I, where we held a very in-depth Remembrance Day ceremony every year, and where it was always treated as a quiet, respectful ceremony, and where we were asked not to applaud, but rather to show our respect through self-restraint and silence.

The Wrap-Up

I know that I can't command people to not clap. I know that they feel they're showing respect and appreciation through their applause. However, I do not feel that Remembrance Day services are something that warrant applause, and rather that they call for silence, and reflection. When someone finishes speaking, don't clap, think. Think about why you're standing there, and the people who sacrificed so much so that you would have all of the freedoms you enjoy.

Lest We Forget,

Joshua J. Taylor - Polit-Tacitcal Creator and Lead Writer