Shoulder cost

The federal government is planning to commemorate Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan in elaborate fashion on Parliament Hill on May 9, complete with a parade, 21-gun salute, and a fly-past of planes and helicopters.
The idea is to pay homage to the men and women who bravely endured 12 years of roadside blasts, suicide bombings, and other forms of guerilla warfare to defend Canada’s interests and values so far from home.
But the real heroes—those deserving of our highest respect and honour—are the 158 soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for Canada. Yet it seems Ottawa is abandoning the very people it should be revering most by failing to pay the cost for families of the fallen to attend the event.
Instead, that task has been pawned off to True Patriot Love, an independent foundation.
While it’s good to see the private sector, whether through corporate donations or foundations like True Patriot Love, step to the plate to honour Canada’s veterans, this is a case where the onus is on the federal government to shoulder the cost and responsibility.
Instead, it’s essentially saying, “Thanks for dying but we can’t afford to foot the bill to bring your families to the official commemoration.”
It’s an insult—to the fallen, their families, and all Canadians.
These men and women answered the call when Canada needed their service. Surely our country shouldn’t be “nickel-and-diming” that sacrifice.