Remembrance Day services are a time of coming together, as a community, to reflect and remember the lives of the many thousands of young men and women who gave their lives in the ultimate sacrifice during war.
And today, more than ever, we need to remember and not repeat history.
Sadly, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Remembrance Day service in Old Town has really disappointed many of us, on many levels.
A large crowd turned out on Saturday, Nov. 11, to remember in solidarity and unity the lives lost and wars fought.
Coming together at such a time is important and necessary. It is a solemn and reverent time of reflection.
However, this was not the case here in town on Saturday.
For some unacceptable reason, the microphone system was not working properly.
This being a time-sensitive event, the organizers had to begin the service in order to have the minute silence at 11 a.m. sharp.
Not only could we not hear what was said, or what names were read, two minutes’ silence was not announced.
The service lacked any form of music. There were no bagpipes, no marching parade of military personnel, no children’s choirs.
It really was a huge disappointment.
A complete stranger told me how disappointed she was with the whole service and said next year she will stay home and watch the service on TV from Ottawa.
Let’s remember our veterans and let’s do it with class.
Sheila Serio
NOTL
