When we heard a private member’s bill to make Remembrance Day a statutory national holiday was gaining steam, we weren’t sure how to react.
That’s not to say Nov. 11 is not worthy of such a designation – we think Remembrance Day is one of the most important days on the calendar.
This year Nov. 11 took on a different tone in the wake of the recent slayings of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent.
We understand the corresponding push in Ottawa to honour the military and the sacrifices of Canadians, but as sad as it is to say, we have to wonder how many Canadians would actually use the day off on Nov. 11 for its intended purpose.
Perth-Wellington MP Gary Schellenberger predicted that “if it becomes a statutory holiday, 75 per cent or so of [school-aged children] will still be in bed at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.”
While he was likely being a bit facetious, we don’t think that figure is too far off to describe the number of kids who would not attend a Remembrance Day ceremony if the day was declared a national holiday.
What’s worse, we don’t suspect the number will be any better for adults.
A recent poll from the Vimy Foundation indicates 82% of Canadians would support Nov. 11 being a national holiday, but the same poll suggests just 27% had planned to attend a Remembrance Day service this year.
Passing a bill and giving people the day off work, despite the admirable motivation behind the move, will most certainly not lead to a mass influx of people paying their respects at local cenotaphs.
As a matter of fact, such a move could result in a significant decrease – from the current paltry turnout – in attendance at Remembrance Day ceremonies.
We agree with Elora Legion official Ashley Woods, who stated, “You cannot legislate respect or patriotism.”
