Partisan motives

Dear editor:
As a Conservative and former navy officer, I recognize that symbolism is important to Canadians, particularly when it is attached to those who give their lives in the service of their country.
It was with particular interest that I followed the debate over the lowering of the Canadian flag on Parliament Hill each and every time a Canadian soldier is killed while serving overseas.
I respect the position taken by the opposition parties as one based in principal and a sincere desire to honour Canada’s fallen. For the most part, the debate was a dignified one and advanced the strong desire felt by a majority of Canadians and all Parliamentarians that we should not allow the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform to go unrecognized.
What was of great concern to me was the possibility that opposition members would seek to gain political advantage on this most solemn of issues.
Fortunately, for the most part, such a disrespectful and unfortunate display did not materialize.
It was, therefore, with great regret that I read Ken Boshcoff’s most recent column in which there was a clear implication that Conservatives do not feel the loss of Canadian soldiers as acutely as do his Liberals—and that there are ulterior motives at work behind the Conservative policy of not lowering the flag on the Peace Tower to mark every soldier’s death.
Mr. Boshcoff went further in trying to gain politically on this issue, stating the government was ignoring Canadians while pressing forward with a review of the recommendations of an advisory committee that called for an end to the practice.
The most prominent voices on that committee were veterans organizations themselves, including the Royal Canadian Legion, an organization that steadfastly has supported the Conservative position.
The Legion understands Canadians have a sincere desire to give special recognition to fallen soldiers. It is for this reason that they have committed themselves to a national day of remembrance for all who have made that ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.
It is the view of the Conservative government that there is no greater honour we can bestow on our fallen than to recognize their sacrifice alongside that of their comrades who have fought, and died, so that our country could remain strong, proud, and free.
We can be a nation in a perpetual state of mourning for our loss and in the process lose sight of the meaning of the sacrifice, or we can pause in genuine sorrow, grief, and reflection on Nov. 11 and dedicate ourselves for the remainder of the year to live up to the standard set by our best and bravest.
(Signed),
Richard Neumann, Lt(N) ret’d
Candidate, Conservative
Party of Canada
Thunder Bay-Rainy River