For the second time in as many weeks, Canadians are mourning the loss of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan.
Last weekend, four of our servicemen were killed when a roadside bomb blew up, killing the men in their military vehicle. Two weeks ago, Pvt. Robert Costall from Gibsons was laid to rest after a beautiful and poignant service at the Christian Life Assembly.
As a sign of respect, we think flags should be lowered to half-mast. But Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his Conservative government think otherwise.
This week, Harper announced that flags on Parliament Hill would no longer be lowered to half-mast when a soldier is killed in the line of duty. He's also barred the media from the reparation ceremony for any soldiers returning to Canadian soil.
Harper said Tuesday in the House of Commons, "It is not about photo-ops and media coverage. It is about what is in the best interest of the families."
While we recognize that families' wishes must be adhered to in a situation such as this, we're wondering who appointed Harper to make this decision? Shouldn't it be up to the families to decide if they want to have media present? At the military funeral held here in Gibsons, media were given limited access and strict guidelines to follow. We were fortunate to be given that access and grateful the family allowed us to be there to tell this important story.
Relatives of the soldiers killed last weekend are disappointed in Harper's stance. Some could not attend Tuesday's reparation ceremony and were shocked to learn they couldn't watch the proceedings, through the media, on TV.
As for not lowering the flag, that is clearly showing a lack of respect - a lack of respect for the soldiers who are sacrificing so much for the freedom of others and a lack of respect for the friends and families who want to honour the soldiers' memories.
Last time we checked, we lived in a country that had compassion for people and paid tribute when circumstances dictated it. Harper's decisions are wrong. We urge him to reconsider and pay proper respect to our soldiers.
