Remembrance Day Ethics

News broke today in Edmonton that some students had permission to opt out of Remembrance Day ceremonies at their parent's request.  Alberta Premier Alison Redford  is disappointed by the decision.  I hope she retracts her statement because, as Edmonton school board spokeswoman Jane Sterling notes, the decision complies with Alberta law.  The Remembrance Day Act states that "all pupils shall either attend the ceremony or remain in the school, silent, during the ceremony."

It's not like this is the decision of the school.  These are parents removing their children from the ceremonies, for whatever reason that may be.  The students must remain in the school and still must observe the moment of silence.  Or, as Sterling says, some parents do it for very personal reasons.

"We had a mom last year ask that her son not be part of it because his dad had just been killed in Afghanistan," Sterling said. "She really felt strongly that when they do observe Remembrance Day that he is with his family."

What's truly disappointing is Redford's comments on the matter when clearly she should have investigated the matter a little more before making a statement.  I agree with Redford that it's our duty as Canadians to honour and respect veterans who have made the sacrifice for this country, but opting out of the ceremony does not necessarily represent disrespect.  The mother who pulled her son out so he could observe Remembrance Day with family is a good example.  The other few parents who pull their kids out of ceremonies are doing so for personal reasons and have every right to do so under current Alberta law.

The veterans we honour are the ones who fought for this country and the ones who gave us the freedom we enjoy.  They fought for the freedom to express your own values without punishment from the state or abuse from others.  As Alberta premier, Alison Redford should apologize for her comments.