Cherry needs to learn a history lesson

Don Cherry’s unfortunate remarks suggesting immigrants do not support the poppy drive that funds the operations of local Legions and veterans are to be condemned.

As a proud Canadian and a Sikh I resent his thoughtless ranting.

It is obvious he has watched too many Hollywood war movies and read selective war history that only eulogizes the sacrifices of white soldiers. Real history suggests otherwise.

Both the First and Second World Wars could not have been won without the sacrifices of the hundreds and thousands of socalled coloured colonial soldiers. My own grand uncles and uncles lost their lives on the battlefields of Africa, Europe and Asia.

I buy not one, but several poppies every year because I cannot turn away from a veteran selling them.

I believe it is our government policies that are the true culprits as they keep short-changing these brave men and women in their time of need and advanced age. Instead of blaming immigrants, Mr. Cherry should focus more on the plight of deserving veterans suffering from long waits for care and benefits.

We all pay taxes, those born here or abroad, and these taxes should be appropriately spent on taking care of our veterans.

It is also important that the contributions of others who fought alongside Canada should be recognized. A lot of immigrants are proud of the sacrifices of our people who served under the Allied flags.

It is time for a conversation with Mr. Cherry and correct his skewed version of history and selective patriotism.

Sohan Singh Koonar, Windsor