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Should Nov. 11 actually be a holiday?

Many people just see Nov. 11 as an other day to flee across the U.S. border for bargains.

Editor: The Times’ Nov. 12 edition carried a brilliant condemnation of the thousands of British Columbians who, rather than honouring our Canadian war dead, fled across the U.S. border in line-ups that often reached two hours in length.

Columnist Jeff Nagel is to be admired for his patriotic condemnation of those who would rather save a dollar than participate in honouring those who laid down their lives in numerous wars, which provided the freedom we now enjoy.

Although a great many patriotic Canadians set aside Nov. 11 as a day of remembrance, an equal number simply view the day as one that can save them a few bucks and give them an extra day of leisure.

I wonder if we should adopt the British system of remembrance? They celebrate this day on the closest Sunday to Nov. 11, with no extra holiday given.

If the majority of Canadians see no value in honouring our veterans who gave their lives, sight or limbs so that we can all be free, why give those who wish to fill the coffers of U.S. retailers an extra day to do so?

Mike Harvey,

Langley