On Sunday, we were honoured to take part in a wonderful ceremony at the Sechelt Legion to celebrate the 60th anniversary of VE-Day, May 8, 1945.
More than 30 members who served in WWII gathered at the Legion alongside members of the local Army Cadet Corps, Sunshine Coast RCMP, family, friends and community members.
It was a ceremony filled with reflection, memories and remembrance. There were no political speeches - just a moment for quiet pause.
At the same time, 128 veterans from across Canada were in the Netherlands as the Dutch people came out in droves to thank Canada and its servicemen for sacrificing their lives and liberating their country.
It was a day to look back on Canada's contributions and thank our veterans. At such a ceremony, one would expect our federal leaders would represent Canada. Oddly, that wasn't the case.
Prime Minster Paul Martin, Conservative leader Stephen Harper and NDP leader Jack Layton were not in attendance at Sunday's ceremony in the Netherlands. All three were too busy back in Ottawa fighting like playground bullies.
They finally showed up and held a hastily put together ceremony a day late, in which only a few of the veterans took part. Can you blame them? What a slap in the face!
At least Martin and Layton tried to apologize when pinned down by reporters on why they showed up a day late. Harper took the podium and continued his attacks on the Liberal government, calling for their heads.
The politicians and so-called leaders of this country should be ashamed of themselves and their conduct.
One would think they could put aside differences for one day to pay tribute and represent our country with some pride and honour.
Their blatant disregard for our veterans is appalling.
