War

"If People Are People then why should it be that you and I should get along so awfully?" ;Lyrics from a song by Depoche Mode

I remember it well. I was twelve and feeling like there was not much to do in the small town I was ‘vacationing’ in before moving back to the big city.; It was a memorable day as this sad little town was finally opening a movie theatre and I was going to the movies on Friday night with friends.

The night of the movie came and I don’t even remember what snacks I enjoyed or what movie I saw.; This was back when they played the National Anthem at the movie theatres.; I remember this viewing in particular due to a punch in the arm.; That’s right, the man sitting directly behind me punched me in the arm when I didn’t stand up fast enough when ‘Oh Canada’ started.; I remember feeling surprise and then teen anger at this ‘old man’ who was bothering me.; I was going to stand up, it was just taking me a few extra seconds.; I was a cool kid and back then I didn’t understand his actions.; I just assumed that he was being a mean adult.;

Since then I have come to understand the motivation behind this man's actions.; I especially understand that punch today.; In times like this we need every ounce of patriotism we can muster up.; Times like this intensify the need for patriotism-freedom-support – pride.; The man in the theatre may have fought in a war or lost someone close to him in a battle for our freedom.; Whatever his motivation, I now understand and accept it.; I am sure that my not standing up promptly felt like a slap in the face to this man.

;We must applaud our nation, our countrymen and our neighbours.; We must embrace our freedom and protect it at the same time.; The anthem at the theatre has long been replaced with commercials, movie previews and polite reminders to be quiet.; But the anthem is still alive and strong in NHL hockey although there is now talk that this 50 yr tradition is not safe either.; What a time for the media to be debating the issue of the anthem sung at hockey games.; Yes, a lot of players are originally from or born in other countries, but so are a lot of Canadians and Americans.; In times of conflict, no matter what, we should honour, be proud of and support others who are laying down their lives for our freedoms.; Laying down their lives so that we may live ours freely!

So, like the man in the theatre told me through a light punch way back when, “Stand up and shut up”!

; ;back