What are your thoughts on Canadian holidays?

[Weitz]

None of the holidays really mean anything. Just a day off and sometimes a dinner with family is in order.

[GordonBlue]

for those who think we should just move National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, think about why they picked the time of year they did.

If my understanding is correct, for that and orange shirt day, the date of September 30 was chosen because it was the time of year when Indigenous children were removed from their families and forced to attend residential schools.

Wouldn't have the same meaning in June.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by GordonBlue

for those who think we should just move National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, think about why they picked the time of year they did.

If my understanding is correct, for that and orange shirt day, the date of September 30 was chosen because it was the time of year when Indigenous children were removed from their families and forced to attend residential schools.

Wouldn't have the same meaning in June.

Is that actually the case? It seems like the original choice was June 21, but that is National Aboriginal Day as it is, so after some consultation they moved it to September 30. That day was already used for Orange Shirt Day, which was to recognize the incident where a student had her orange shirt taken from her on the first day of school. I don't think that was the actual date, but I could be wrong on that?

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by FormerPresJamesTaylor

I never suggested it was unanimous, nor did the article.

Neither did I, in fact I don’t think they speak for even the majority of vets.


The Legion is becoming more and more irrelevant.

[kipperiggy]

Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus

Remembrance Day is a stat in Alberta, employers just don't recognize it as important, which is disgraceful.

Same with Truth and Reconciliation Day with my employer. "You can code time to truth and reconciliation activities code but you can't have the day off to reflect". OK sorry then I guess I am working on my client stuff. Same attitude toward Remembrance Day. Disgraceful.

[Snuffleupagus]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

Neither did I, in fact I don’t think they speak for even the majority of vets.


The Legion is becoming more and more irrelevant.

It's their own fault really, for many many years they wouldn't take new members unless they were either vets or vets signing up family members.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus

It's their own fault really, for many many years they wouldn't take new members unless they were either vets or vets signing up family members.

Which...for a largely pacifist nation...is not going to generate a lot of new membership.

[FormerPresJamesTaylor]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

Neither did I, in fact I don’t think they speak for even the majority of vets.


The Legion is becoming more and more irrelevant.

Good stuff

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus

It would show that people think Remembrance day is more important than a stupid religious holiday that's what.

Again, Remembrance Day should be the most important and thoughtful holiday on the calendar, most of us wouldn't be here without those brave people.

To you. But not to everyone.

Like many, my grandpa fought in WWII. My other grandpa was a POW in Japan, which, as most people know, was a fataing nightmare.

But attending a ceremony - for me - doesn't give me peace or a sense of support for veterans. I rather support in ways I feel are more tangible, like donating to veterans' causes. I'm sure as a veteran it is valuable to see the support at ceremonies, but I opt out because I honestly need a day off more than I need or want to go to another ceremony after attending at least a dozen over the years.

I think you're trying to shame people into sharing your view and it's a real turn off and a bit of an eye roll, tbh. Part of the gift veterans have given us is a freedom that would be no doubt different if not for their sacrifice. I would hope most would respect the idea of somebody choosing to spend a day off with their family, or recuperating from a stressful job, or trading November 11 for December 26 to give a more extended break over the holidays.

It may be different if you have more time off through the year, if you feel duty-bound, or even if you just like attending ceremonies to honour veterans, but - IDK - chill out on people who don't see it the same way.

I have one other reason I have never taken my kids to a Remembrance Day ceremony, although it's not the primary reason: I'm uncomfortable with what I see as a recruitment drive for the military. Soldiers are definitely selfless, brave and all the rest of it, but I wouldn't want my kids considering a career in the military unless it became essential for defending Canada. I don't trust politicians with my kids' lives, so I would actively discourage my kids from joining the military with unknown conflicts ahead for them that may or may not be worthwhile/just. I think some of these ceremonies can glorify service more than I'm comfortable with them hearing as minors. I don't like that that side of my reasoning for not attending ceremonies carries with it some disrespect to veterans, but like I said, I try to offset that with tangible support for them in other ways.

[jayswin]

nm