Defer to our veterans

here is an annual debate involving the Remembrance Day ceremony in Charlottetown – have it indoors at Eastlink Centre or leave it at the cenotaph and hope the weather cooperates. Each option provides strong arguments. David MacCallum, in a recent opinion piece, provided compelling arguments to having it indoors, citing a touching veterans’ tribute ceremony last Sunday in Confederation Centre which included tributes, personal accounts and music. He also notes that Summerside now holds its ceremony indoors each year at Credit Union Place before a big crowd.

Equally powerful are the arguments offered by Allan Callard of the Charlottetown Legion. He says most veterans prefer the status quo on Remembrance Day because there is a “longstanding tradition for an outdoor parade and ceremony at a proper cenotaph that engenders incredible, heartfelt solemnity.” In addition, Eastlink broadcasts the Charlottetown ceremony across the Island so those unable to attend a ceremony can still watch the service. The growing crowds each year in Charlottetown make it difficult to move indoors and be able accommodate everyone.

The decision should come down to the veterans and if they want the outdoor ceremony, dominated by the laying of wreaths, then we should defer to them. If other communities want to move indoors or leave that option open depending on the weather that day, that’s fine as well. Whatever works best to provide a dignified ceremony Nov. 11 should be acceptable.

T