Campaign promotes patriotism, remembrance
Published Wednesday November 11th, 2009
Miramichi-area women distribute hundreds of Canadian flags in their community for display
MILLERTON - The display of heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable sacrifices made by the countless Canadian soldiers who served in four major wars and several peacekeeping missions over the past century comes to a head on this day of remembrance.
In legion halls, hockey arenas and living rooms across the country this morning many Canadians will engage in the traditional two minutes of silence, a chance to give symbolic thanks to the men and women who gave so much of themselves in the name of freedom and of their country.
And while Tammy Bateman-Harris and Jane MacDonald will be devoting the requisite two minutes today, they are also firmly of the mindset that Remembrance Day is a notion that should be put into practice on a day-to-day basis.
The Millerton residents say there are several simple ways that Canadians of all ages and beliefs can show appreciation for their country and the people who defend it, and they've come up with one that has been a hit in their own community, located a short drive southwest of Miramichi.
For the past several days the two women have embarked on a door-to-door flag distribution campaign and have delivered so many little Canadian flags to people in the community they've lost count.
It's a subtle campaign of patriotism and remembrance, and the goal is simple.
"We hope to have the whole road lined with flags," said MacDonald.
It appears they're well on track, with the duo having handed out 150 flags each yesterday, including a special batch for students at Millerton School.
The idea was sparked when Bateman-Harris came across an article detailing the Queen Mother's visit through the Miramichi River community in 1939.
"The people took it upon themselves to hand out little flags, and the Queen Mother commented in the article about the patriotism seen in a little village she just happened to be passing through and what a wonderful sight it was," said Bateman-Harris. "With the veterans, a lot of people don't get as remembered as much as they should be, so we decided the flag would be a good place to start."
Bateman-Harris said it's her estimation that out of the hundreds of homes that line Highway 108 from Derby to Millerton, maybe three or four have yet to display their flags.
She said it's a virtual sea of red and white all the way through, with the tiny paper flags plastered on windows, doors and mailboxes.
"It's just unreal if you take a drive on up through," she said.
The flags were largely purchased at their own expense, with some help from local MLAs, MPs and the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
Bateman-Harris and MacDonald have a deep attachment and admiration for the Canadian military, a common bond that resulted in friendship.
MacDonald's father and his seven brothers served in the Second World War, while her nephew, Allan Stewart, was the first Miramichier to die in the current war in Afghanistan.
Bateman-Harris's father served in the merchant navy in the Atlantic.
"But this isn't just for the man and women who went to war; there are also heroes who stayed behind and they've never been recognized," said Bateman-Harris.
"I also applaud the mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters who had people that went over to war and I think they should be remembered and honoured for their contributions as well."
The duo is continuing to work with politicians to help with flag donations, as it's a cause they'd like to expand upon.
Bateman-Harris said they have already received 10 full-size Canadian flags which will be distributed to area churches for display.
She added it's her wish this Remembrance Day for everybody to fly a Canadian flag as a gesture of appreciation for the sacrifices made in defence of Canada. The pair also lined the perimeter of cemeteries in the area with the flags, and would have placed one next to each headstone if they had enough in supply.
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