The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Here is an e-mail that I recently received from a friend in the United States. As I sat reading this article all I could think of was that would never happen in Canada. Why? I wish I could say it represents many Canadians but unfortunatelyÉ well you read it and then you'll know what I mean: "I sat in my seat of the Boeing 767 waiting for everyone to hurry and stow their carry-on luggage and grab a seat so we could start on what I was sure would be a long and uneventful flight home. The slow moving people were taking their time to stuff luggage far too big into the overhead. These same people were not paying any attention to the growing line behind them. I simply shook my head knowing that this flight was not starting out very well. I was anxious to get home to my loved ones so I was focused on "my" issues and just felt like standing up and yelling for some of these clowns to get their act together. I knew I couldn't say a word so I just thumbed through a magazine that was in the seat pocket ahead of me, just to break the monotony. Finally everyone was seated, but we just sat there with the cabin door open and no one was in any hurry to get us going, although we were well past the scheduled take off time. No wonder the airline industry is in trouble, I thought. Just then, the attendant came on the intercom to inform us that we were being delayed. The entire plane load of passengers let out a collective groan, as she continued speaking: "We are holding the aircraft for some very special people who are on their way to the plane and the delay shouldn't be more than five minutes". This came after waiting six times as long as we were promised, that "I" was finally going to be on my way home. What was the big deal over these "special people"? I was expecting some celebrity or sports figure to be the reason for the hold-up. Just get their butts in a seat and let's get going, I thought. The attendant came back to the intercom to announce in a loud and excited voice that we were being joined by several U.S. Marines returning home from Iraq! Just as they walked on board, the entire plane erupted into cheers and applause. The service men and women were taken by surprise by the 340 people cheering for them as they found their seats. They were having their hands shook or were being touched by those within reach of them as they passed down the aisle. The applause didn't stop for a long time. Finally we were airborne. "I" was not the only civilian checking his conscience as to the delays in "my" getting home and finding my easy chair, a cold beverage and the remote control. These men and women had given their all for us and I had been complaining silently about me and my issues, taking for granted the freedoms I enjoy and the conveniences of the American way of life, that others had paid a price for, so that I could sit and moan and complain about a few minutes delay to "me". These heroes were going home to their loved ones. I tried to get my selfish outlook back in order and minutes before the landing I suggested to the attendant the she announce over the intercom that the civilians remain in their seats until the military personnel were able to gather their things and disembark. The applause began again and lasted till the last military person was off the plane. Then the rest of up rose to get up and go about taking for granted once again the freedoms we enjoy, but hopefully more grateful to the Veterans as well as our active service men and women who sacrifice more than most of us will ever know so we can enjoy all we have." In Canada After I read this e-mail I thought, sadly, that there isn't a hope in hÑ- of that ever happening here in Canada, WHY? Our service men and women risk their lives every day in peace keeping duties. Even when Hurricane Juan hit Halifax last Sunday night, our military were there to help where they could. One Emergency person was killed by a falling tree. But, in Canada people will say "but that's their job"! Or, "well, they are getting their education paid for the 'easy' way by going into the military." ARE YOU KIDDING? I dare you to try "Boot Camp" or even worse infantry training which consists of sleep deprivation, lying in cold wet ditches with all your gear on for days and nights, and doing long marches. Apparently none of the women personnel have been able to pass this rigorous training. This is a character builder. However, I think you get the point. The next time our government tries to "get a deal" on military equipment, and allow our men and women to risk their lives using derelict planes and equipment or baulk at giving the military a raise, why aren't more people outraged? Does everyone think that we will just rely on the Americans to protect us? And then there is the million or so dollars going towards our Governor General's trip! A position that many young people in our country think should be done away with. And the money wasted on gun control and so on and so onÉ Canadians, why do we put up with this?
