A primary school in Halifax, home to the largest military base – returns to a request he made asking veterans and current Canadian Armed Forces members likely to attend school Remembrance Day services to abandon their military uniforms if they plan to attend.

THE November Newsletter of Sackville Heights Elementary School cautions the school community: “We recognize and celebrate the diverse makeup of our school community and, in listening to our students, we warmly invite all military personnel who wish to attend. To maintain a welcoming environment for all, we ask military personnel to wear civilian clothing.

The Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Party, in the midst of an election campaign in that province, released a statement Thursday evening condemning the demand that military personnel not wear their uniforms on Remembrance Day.

“By demanding that veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces not wear their uniforms during the Remembrance Day celebration, the leaders of this school are dishonoring themselves while humiliating the people who protect our country,” said the chief of the PC and outgoing Prime Minister, Tim Houston, in a press release. .

“Seeing our military in their uniform is a vital part of Remembrance Day, it lets us all know who to personally thank for their service. I am calling on Sackville Heights Elementary School to immediately reverse its short-sighted decision and welcome back veterans and military personnel in uniform,” Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Zach Churchill said in a post on social networks.

Get the latest national news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up to receive breaking news alerts sent directly to you as they happen.

Late Thursday, after campaigning politicians objected to the request, a spokeswoman for the Halifax Center for Education, Lindsey Bunin, said in an emailed statement that “the school had reconsidered its approach” and that “military personnel past and present… are welcome.” wear their uniforms.

Canadian Veterans Affairs Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor, MP for Atlantic Canada, said in an emailed statement that she had been informed of the situation.

“Remembrance Day…is an opportunity to honor those who have proudly served in uniform. Veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces wear their uniforms in remembrance of those who sacrificed for our country, demonstrating their respect and appreciation for their contributions,” said Petitpas Taylor. “I am pleased that the school quickly reconsidered its position.”

According to the Government of Nova Scotiathe province is home to more than 40 percent of Canada’s military assets, primarily at the country’s largest military base, CFB Halifax, which is the headquarters of Maritime Forces Atlantic. Other major military installations include 12 Wing Shearwater in Halifax and CFB Greenwood in the Annapolis Valley. Many of those serving on these bases likely live in Sacvkille, a suburban community north of Halifax.

“The school’s intention was to ensure that everyone participating in the ceremony felt comfortable,” Bunin said. “Like most schools (in the Halifax area), Sackville Heights Elementary School has a diverse student population, some of whom come from countries in conflict and have expressed discomfort with images of war, particularly those of individuals in military uniform.

1:20
The Penticton Potters’ Guild sells ceramic poppies for donations

Previous video

Next video

&copy 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.