By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator, Saturday November 10, 2012
Santa Claus Before Remembrance
On my drive to work on Monday I noticed signs posted in the downtown core regarding rode closures for the Santa Claus parade on Nov 10. Nov 10? Really? Why would city officials allow this to occur right before Remembrance Day? We are truly a society in decline when we place the crass commercialism of Christmas (a religious holiday) above values like decency and respect for those who put their lives on the line for us, or made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Shame! – John Wiernikowski, Hamilton
I believe that our municipal, provincial and federal governments should have more common sense than to have allowed the Santa Claus parade to convene on the Remembrance Day weekend. This is disrespectful and dishonouring to our veterans who have given service (and indeed their lives) on behalf of our country.
I hope many individuals will express their dissent to the proper level of government, that this will never again be allowed in the future, as I realize it is too late to cancel the present schedule. Shame on the thoughtless individuals who perpetrated this insult; this is nothing more than crass retail commercialism. – Marilyn De Boer, Stoney Creek
I am appalled to see that the Hamilton Santa Claus parade is before the Remembrance Day service on Sunday.
We are trying to instil in the younger generation the importance of Remembrance Day, of honour and respect for those who died for us. It would not have been an inconvenience to delay the Santa Claus parade one more week to allow the veterans the honour they so richly deserve.
I truly love the Christmas season and what it is all about, however I am truly disgusted that this takes precedence in November before our fallen heroes. My family and I certainly will not be attending. Shame on you Hamilton! – Sarah Meadows-Cromwell, York (Source: Hamilton Spectator)