The repatriation of the Unknown Soldier should have been respectful of the soldier's life - given in valour as a proud serviceman of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. It was not.
The Unknown Soldier of Canada was repatriated to this country in 2000 and lies at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
The Unknown Soldier's of Newfoundland service country can't be retroactively altered - else history is void of reality. He served, fought, and died under the Dominion of Newfoundland.
As this was a one-of-a-kind event - Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces should have excused protocol to ensure that the respect owed this soldier and all the Royal Newfoundland Regiment soldiers under the Dominion of Newfoundland was shown.
Local media in Newfoundland and Labrador could have and should have done more to probe this very unfortunate situation. Instead a basic question was asked and they simply repeated governments' narratives.
Politicians both federal and provincial did not stand and respect the Unknown Soldier and did nothing to protect historic accuracy. Instead they basked in the limelight and referred to each other as dignitaries. The only true dignitaries present for this occasion were the Unknown Soldier and veterans.
The country of France has done more to preserve genuine historic remembrance.
Let's fully appreciate that Newfoundland and Labrador has Memorial Day on July1st. and has had since 1917. It is a day that was established to remember our soldiers and service members of the First and then Second world wars. Of course and naturally it now recognizes Newfoundland and Labrador service members who died while serving after Confederation. Remembrance Day in Canada recognizes Canadians who lost their lives.
The media, government spokespersons, and the Canadian Armed forces expressing that since 1949 - on our entry into Confederation - meant that all those serving before confederation retroactively served under the Canadian flag is disrespectful and dishonest.
Should we expect that Memorial Day will now retroactively be rolled into Remembrance Day and July 1st. will be no more - because we joined Canada? This is logically what they are saying when they demand that the Royal Newfoundland Regiment's Unknown Soldier's casket must be draped in a Canadian Flag.
When our media reluctantly asked the question of governments and received a response saying that the the Canadian Armed Forces "members are only authorized to carry a casket with the Canadian Flag on
it. They are not authorized to carry another country's flag or that of a
specific province." - more questions should have been forthcoming. Considering the uniqueness of this situation and that it would not be applicable to any other province - why wasn't protocol changed for special circumstance. One media source pointed out that Canadian Armed Forces personal - in official attendance at the repatriation - were for this one time permitted to salute during the Ode to Newfoundland.
It is interesting to note the Canadian Armed forces change longstanding protocol on religious grounds - as an example when headdress should be removed during funerals - where religion forbids the removal of headdress, the soldier may breach protocol.
It's hard for me to truly know how Premier Furey felt as he participated as "next of kin" for the unknown soldier but I can say that this soldier's actual next of kin at the time of his service and death, rejected Confederation. Part of the heavy and responsible role of a political leader - to act as surrogate for a family at any official event - is to be true to the family's feelings. Premier Furey was not.
Whether it was an oversight or a fulsome discussion on the protocols was had - our Premier, Prime Minister, and the Canadian Armed Forces made a mistake.
When Newfoundlanders and Labradorians called them to task - they attempted a poor spin job through the local media - and they failed.
The Royal Newfoundland Regiment who served at Beaumont Hamel with almost a 90 per cent casualty rate were arguably some of the bravest souls of the war.
It took little courage for modern day politicians to demand that the service be respected.
It took no courage for the media to do their job and ask the tough questions.
Because they were brave - I and others can speak our minds - on tough subjects. We can think independently without worry of being politically correct and we can challenge our politicians when we feel necessary.
I like all my fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are deeply touched by his repatriation. We are very grateful for his service and enjoy the benefits of freedom and peace.
Lest We Forget
Rest in Peace
