Ashamed of our short memories

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Denise Jones
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Let me just start out by saying that I read Western News every morning before starting my day.
 
Yesterday (Thursday, Nov. 11), you all let me down. That could also explain why so many people on campus let me down as well.
 
The date November 11th seemed to mean nothing to many people. I was very disappointed to see very few people wearing poppies and no mention of Remembrance Day in the daily news. I was even asked by someone what my poppy was. I wanted to cry. What a sad day when we all forget what that poppy means. And to those of you who don't know or know what it is and didn't wear one, keep this one important piece of information in mind.
 
We would not have the lives we have here in Canada today if it wasn't for those wars. Even if you don't support war, you should pay your respects to the people that fought to make sure we would live the lives we do today.

With no mention of this in the news, it makes me question what is important to this university. Western supports so many important causes, but could not take the time to muster up a few words about the courageous people that believed we Canadians deserved a different kind of life.
 
Yesterday, I was ashamed. Ashamed of the lack of knowledge, the lack of support and truly wondered if my grandfathers knew that they risked their lives for a generation of self serving individuals. One minute, that is all that is required to show your support. I took my personal minute at my desk and looked to see if any flags were at half mast, they were not.
 
It truly was a day I wished I could have said that I did not belong to a society and community that seems to stand for only superficial things.

Charla Henderson
Interim undergraduate assistant
Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Editor’s note: The Western News placed its poppy in the upper left of Page 1, tucked right next to the masthead. Additionally, we gave special treatment on Page 2 to the university-related Remembrance Day activities being held.
 

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