[JD Baillie]

Geoff, All,

Jon stated in another thread that 'times are changing'. This in regard to the definition of veteran. He is correct. Times are changing and have changed.

Nowhere did I state that our national flags of yore be ignored or disrespected. I did state that the Maple Leaf was the flag of today and (in these changed times) be carried to exclusively.

Nowhere did I state that servicemen from any place be ignored, or go unremembered. I hotly said fly Canada's flag only.

This is not a day marking a special or one time event such as DDay. This is a day that represents our men and women who served and fought in all wars in all theatres, under many flags from Winnipeg to Afghanistan and beyond. Our one flag (of today) should be representative for all.

Our ceremonies of rememberance are not just for those who served. It is an ongoing affirmation of Canadian strength for our impressionable young and new Canadians. Let them look up and see ONE flag.

Geoff, Canadian (dis)unity in our Trudeau spangled post Pearson Canada is, as you state, a federally driven agenda that knows few remedies. Let's not let our flag (of today) become a victim to patchwork multi cult. Let's fly our flag to the exclusion of all others and celebrate that Quebec is still within Federation.

Lastly, Geoff, the draft dodger issue DOES belong here. It has nothing to do with the men themselves but there was a serious movement to create a town center memorial for draft dodgers here in BC. It was shot down. But that it came up along with a movement for Canada to actively harbour U.S. deserters is disturbing. In my opinion the best way to combat this kind of thing is to make sure that our National Flag (of today) gets a pre-eminent place in people's mind and hearts.

Rgds All,

JD