Received a letter in the mail today, from The Honourable John Baird, MP, Ottawa West-Nepean
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge receipt of your recent correspondence dated April 28th, 2006 with respect to the lowering of the Canadian flag on the Peace Tower for our fallen soldiers.
The Canadian flag is lowered to half-mast on all federal buildings and establishments throughout Canada, including the Peace tower, from sunrise to sunset on Remembrance Day, November 11th, each year. The Government will continue to uphold this long-held tradition to endure the sacrifice of every individual is equally honoured and respected.
As a long-standing member of the Royal Canadian Legion (Bell's Corners Branch), I believe that Remembrance Day is a day of reflection and observation to honour our fallen soldiers. There is no greater loss to a family than that of a loved one and there is no greater loss to the Canadian Forces family than that of one of its own. Our soldiers' contributions and sacrifices in defence of Canada will never be forgotten.
The Liberal Government overlooked tradition and policy. The Conservative Government is returning to tradition, as well as following the protocol that came into effect under the Liberal Government.
In 2002, the Liberal Government suddenly began deciding on a case-by-case basis to lower the Peace Tower flag, along with the flags on all federal buildings. The Liberals' continued this policy until the fall of 2005, when they failed to lower the flag to honour the death of Private Woodfield in November of that year.
The Department of National Defence's four-point policy came into effect in the fall of 2005, under then Liberal Defence Minister, Bill Graham. The new protocol clearly states that flags will be at half-mast in four different locations. All flags withing the operational base, the home base of the member, and the National Defence Headquarters shall be at half-mast from the day of death until the sunset the day of the funeral. Also, all flags withing the service (Navy, Army, or Air Force) of the member shall be at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on the day of the funeral.
For your information I have enclosed an open letter from The Army, Navy, and Air Force Veterans in Canada, supporting our Government's decision on this very important issue.
Please be assured that I will keep your comments and concerns in mind during the ongoing discussions with my cabinet and caucus colleagues. Thank you once again for taking the time to write. Should you have any further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact my constituency office at 990-7720.
Sincerely,
John Baird P.C., M.P.
Ottawa West-Nepean
Nice that it was mailed, however the letter didn't address the suggestion that Remembrance day be an actual holiday. Seems like a standard letter. Bah.