Canada did not return its war dead

DEAR EDITOR:

Relocating or creating a new cenotaph in Oliver to honour those that gave all so we can live in peace and enjoy the rights we have would be an absolute dishonour to those that are recognized on our existing cenotaph (Times Chronicle, Sept. 1).

Canada did not return its war dead. Their final resting place in their home country has been in the centre of communities. Most, for close to 100 years. The thought that we would change our yearly pledge to accommodate those who do not want to stop and take a moment to honour the fallen so they can drive their commercial vehicles through town is hard to fathom.

Yes, we do have aging veterans, but the average age is 58 and the largest group is between the ages of 45 and 64. If needed, most in need would be offered a ride.

More than a few times annually we have traffic snarls and disruptions due to cycling, running events and annual parades. Is it not worthy to shut down Main Street for a few minutes each year to honor those that have fallen?

Surely their sacrifice is worth more than offering a convenience to those who chose to go on with their regular day giving no thought to those that as a nation we honor.

The cenotaph is an ongoing reminder to public officials and citizens of the sacrifices made for them. Elected officials hold office and live in a democracy because of this.

Today, the names of the fallen are front and centre where they should be. To place their recognition in a corner of a community hidden away would be disgraceful.

Lest we forget, Ron Hovanes Oliver