Harjit Singh and other Canadian Sikh Veterans
I felt that Hockey Night in Canada commentator Don Cherry was a blowhard from the outset of his Coach's Corner more than 30 years ago. Somehow this xenophobe has been given a national platform to spew all sorts of nonsense that was unrelated to his already dinosauric notions about the sport. On Saturday night he boldly offered a racist "you people" rant about immigrants and their lack of appreciation for the sacrifices of veterans. He contended without a scrap of proof that newcomers to Canada want our "milk and honey" (a desecration of a biblical image) without recognition of those who served by wearing poppies.
Sportsnet, Cherry's employer, issued an apology, as did his sidekick. Ron McLean, who was gracious and honest in admitting that his silence alongside the racist nonsense was a form of complicity of which he was ashamed. Cherry, who is 85, should be put out to pasture, and if he isn't Sportsnet is hypocritical.
All this said, it got me thinking about all the Remembrance Sundays through the years where we involved a veteran in placing the wreath. Invariably these were white men, and I certainly grew up with the notion of Anglo Saxon males as veterans, including both my father and father-in-law. I can't think of any time we visibly acknowledged that women served as well, or that other British colonies sent tens of thousands of troops to serve in various campaigns of WW1 and WW2. Of course many Canadians were from different ethnic backgrounds and were persons of colour. Indigenous soldiers were among the most decorated, yet virtually all these veterans from minority groups were treated as "less than" or "you people" following conflicts.
Ontario Indigenous Soldiers
What has emerged from Cherry's vile comments are social media responses upholding veterans from other backgrounds who were loyal Canadians who served King and Country with distinction. It should be noted that Cherry is not a veteran himself.
This incident should give us all cause for pause, to realize that sacrificial service of any kind is not bound by race, creed, or colour. This is a day for gratitude, not division.
Chinese-Canadian Veterans
I want to sincerely apologize to our viewers and Canadians. During last night's broadcast, Don made comments that were hurtful and prejudiced and I wish I had handled myself differently. It was a divisive moment and I am truly upset with myself for allowing it. (1/2)
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