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Congratulations to artist Bruce McKinnion, for his amazingly and heart breaking illustration.
The figures of the WW1 soldiers on the National War Monument are reaching down to help Corporal Nathan Cirillo, as he lays dying on the edge of the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier. You can only see his legs, but the Argyle tartan of his hose tops is immediately recognizable.
People will hate me for saying this, but neither Cirillo nor Vickers are heros.
The former just happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. It could have been any of the soldiers or guards. It is very unfortunate he lost his life, but he did nothing glorious to deserve all the honouring. His death is not exactly more noble than a firefighter killed on the job. I don't know why being killed by a terrorist is more noble than being killed on other jobs?
As to Vickers, isn't what he did simply part of his job description, the kind of thing he is supposed to do to make the salary he makes? I can say he did a good job, but to claim he is some sort of national hero, I don't agree. What was he supposed to do at that time, run away or hiding behind the poles? He would be a bad public servant if he had done that. You could argue he was risking his life taking the shooter down, but again, didn't he walk into this job knowing this is part of the risk, and you get paid for taking that risk?
I know people want to feel all patriotic and emotional, but this is overblown.
People will hate me for saying this, but neither Cirillo nor Vickers are heros.
The former just happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. It could have been any of the soldiers or guards. It is very unfortunate he lost his life, but he did nothing glorious to deserve all the honouring. His death is not exactly more noble than a firefighter killed on the job. I don't know why being killed by a terrorist is more noble than being killed on other jobs?
As to Vickers, isn't what he did simply part of his job description, the kind of thing he is supposed to do to make the salary he makes? I can say he did a good job, but to claim he is some sort of national hero, I don't agree. What was he supposed to do at that time, run away or hiding behind the poles? He would be a bad public servant if he had done that. You could argue he was risking his life taking the shooter down, but again, didn't he walk into this job knowing this is part of the risk, and you get paid for taking that risk?
I know people want to feel all patriotic and emotional, but this is overblown.
People will hate me for saying this, but neither Cirillo nor Vickers are heros.
The former just happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. It could have been any of the soldiers or guards. It is very unfortunate he lost his life, but he did nothing glorious to deserve all the honouring. His death is not exactly more noble than a firefighter killed on the job. I don't know why being killed by a terrorist is more noble than being killed on other jobs?
As to Vickers, isn't what he did simply part of his job description, the kind of thing he is supposed to do to make the salary he makes? I can say he did a good job, but to claim he is some sort of national hero, I don't agree. What was he supposed to do at that time, run away or hiding behind the poles? He would be a bad public servant if he had done that. You could argue he was risking his life taking the shooter down, but again, didn't he walk into this job knowing this is part of the risk, and you get paid for taking that risk?
I know people want to feel all patriotic and emotional, but this is overblown.
Point number 1: Disagree. As a member of the Armed Forces, he made the ultimate sacrifice by losing his life. I am sure that if he could he would say that he regretted that he had but one life to lay down for Canada. That he did not consciously choose to do this does not diminish his great contribution. BTW, a firefighter being killed on the job is equally deserving of great respect and honor.
Point number 2. Vickers is a hero, period. He drew on his previous RCMP training to take out the shooter. He was an older gentleman whose current job was ceremonial! Not his job to shoot anyone. Any country always could use a few more heroes.
When people are just doing their job (or more), and the job entails risk or loss of life, they deserve great credit.
Let these people (and their families) have their moment. It is demeaning to diminish their contributions.
I feel sad that this supposedly thread of tribute has turned into something unpleasant.
Botticelli,
Any soldiers who died in the hands of those are practicing extreme ideology and violence, the precise group of terrorists that we're at war with currently, even if they are not on the front line are hero to me and all patriotic Canadians, at home and worldwide.
Perhaps you should reconsider your bold statement and apologize.
Last edited by R. Crusoe; 10-25-2014 at 12:47 AM..
No, he won't. He is happy to be employed by the Canadian Government, while complaining all day long about Canada. Check his posting history, and see if you can fine ONE example of where he actually said something NICE about our country.
Congratulations to artist Bruce McKinnion, for his amazingly and heart breaking illustration.
The figures of the WW1 soldiers on the National War Monument are reaching down to help Corporal Nathan Cirillo, as he lays dying on the edge of the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier. You can only see his legs, but the Argyle tartan of his hose tops is immediately recognizable.
You're right. The image gets the sentiment just right. Wow. Thanks for sharing.
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