An Act of Disgrace in Canada’s Capital

July 5, 2006

As many Canadians head off on vacation following Canada Day, national affairs typically take on a more mellow tone. Not so this summer and for good reason.

The country’s editorial pages and newscasts are aflame this week with the outrage generated by photographs of three hooligans urinating on the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Canada Day. Canadians are rightfully disgusted by this ultimate disrespect for our military heritage and the sacrifices of our honoured veterans.

I am personally infuriated! There is no excuse, drunkenness or otherwise, for this despicable act that was photographed by a retired army major. As if it wasn’t already bad enough, situated directly beside the memorial is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, meaning these punks were desecrating a grave site. Hopefully they’re caught soon.

Unfortunately, even if they are, they will likely get off with a public mischief charge and a fine. Canadians however, have no shortage of ideas for punishment that better fits this offensive crime. Some, though tempting, I won’t list here, lest I be accused of inciting violence.

It has been suggested the offenders be forced to write an essay about the sacrifices our veterans and war dead made for their country. Or that they be assigned to spend time with the veterans they so vilely dishonoured. Others have suggested the three men be forced into some form of military service themselves. And it’s been proposed they be ‘drafted’ into a team charged with maintaining and cleaning the monument.

I do not believe this controversy will die off with the lazy, hazy days of summer. This violation of our proud military history and our cherished vets will, and should, continue to be a topic of debate. For many of us, it wasn’t just three drunken louts on Canada Day that generated concern.

I first introduced a private member’s motion on February 9, 2004 calling for legislation to prevent the misuse of our military symbols as insolent ‘fashion statements’. I think we’ve all seen youth brazenly wearing a varied selection of Canadian Forces attire or insignia. I don’t care whether it’s some form of youthful rebellion or whether they think it’s a “cool” display … it’s disrespectful to those who served and earned the right to wear those items.

M-109, which I re-tabled in this Parliament on April 4, 2006, reads: “That, in the opinion of the House, it should be unlawful for uniforms, insignia and decorations of the Canadian Armed Forces to be worn by those not authorized to do so, or worn or displayed in a disrespectful or demeaning manner.”

Unlike some, I haven’t written-off this generation of youth as being ignorant and uncaring about our vets. However, I do believe this latest incident serves to demonstrate that we must remain vigilant in educating young Canadians about those who served and died in the pursuit of peace and freedom.

And if the three Canada Day “whiz kids” end up serving as a harsh example of how our nation intends to deal with lack of respect for our veterans … then so be it!

-30-