This thread is not to debate if our troops should be where they are or not. This thread is only an attempt to support our troops, the men and women that put their life on the line everyday.
July is support our troops month. The Hamilton Police Service have acknowledged this and are flying a Canadian Military Flag at their police stations to show their support. Here is the link:
Here is a quote from that link "We are so proud today to raise the Canadian Forces Ensign at our three police stations for the month of July, as our tribute to our members who give twice to our communities – as members of our Service and as members of Canada’s military; and also as a tribute to the Canadian Forces – we are partners in our mission to provide security to our people."
As some of you may also know, all year round some people wear red on Fridays to support our troops.
Here is a link for that site
http://www.redfridays.ca/
The Ticats have three home games this year on Friday.
Friday July 25th vs Edmonton
Friday Sep 19 vs Winnipeg (ticats want fans to wear black this game, same as the team)
Friday Oct 24 vs Calgary (Calgary's colour is red so we can not do it that night)
So I am suggesting that we show we support our troops at the home game against Edmonton on Friday July 25th by wearing red. I am sure if enough of us do it, it will not only look great on TV but will make the news across Canada and more importantly, over to our troops.
Although a noble intention from a pure heart, I don't believe TiCat games are places for such displays. The TiCat colours are black, gold, and white. That's what I'll be wearing at every home game because that's what I'm there for. There's a time and place for everything and a proper way to support our troops.
Cut the crap!! It was suggested to wear Red on Friday games,no one is demanding it.. one of the only patriotic gestures I've seen in Canada.. either wear it or don't..but why a stupid debate!!
This is simply a way to show our troops we care and are thinking about them. They watch the CFL in areas of combat and would love the gesture. I will be wearing red.
It is a great idea. These men and women are in the most dangerous operation since the Korean war. As it was stated above, this is not politics but a meaningful gesture.
God bless our troops who have bravely VOLUNTEERED for these missions.
This is not politics and I agreed with supporting the men and women of our armed forces. This is the way Canadians are supporting their troops. Look beside you in the stands and the person beside you or behind you may have a member serving. Great idea
This isn’t politics. It’s a little appreciation and support for those people who put their lives on the line every day so that we can be here and have the freedom to come on here and bash everyone and everything on a daily basis.
My grandfather and my uncles have all fought for our freedom so I will be wearing red (even if it’s just a hat or bandanna) for them and for those who have the courage to serve and protect now. (I’ll get off my soapbox now )
This discussion piqued my curiosity about the etiquette associated with wearing the poppy as a symbol of remembrance. I've heard conflicting views in the past re: whether or not it is considered appropriate to wear the poppy at times other than the traditional duration of the Legion's poppy campaign.
In case anyone was similarly curious, here is what I found:
The Royal Canadian Legion website has information about the history of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance, but doesn't appear to have any information about etiquette.
The best online source I could find was the Veterans Affairs Canada website, which includes the following:
"Is it proper to wear a poppy to commemorative events at any point during the calendar year or should the poppy be worn only during the Poppy Campaign?
Although it is tradition for the Poppy to be worn only during the annual Remembrance period, a person may wear a Poppy any time he or she wishes to do so. It is not unusual for Poppies to be worn at commemorative events throughout the year, particularly during Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) pilgrimages. The best approach is to follow the lead of the event organizers. If you are organizing the event, you can seek advice from VAC senior officials or the Royal Canadian Legion."
I know I have heard of other professional teams doing things to show support for our troops. Here is what I have found by searching on google:
"Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. (MLSE) and three of its teams — Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and Toronto Marlies — will honour the thousands of men and women who serve our country during the teams’ respective home games February 1 and 2. MLSE has designated this event as Canadian Forces Appreciation Weekend."
For that entire storey here is the link
The Edmonton Oilers did the following:
"The Edmonton Oilers and Rexall introduced a new program today called ‘Tickets For Troops’ that allows the club’s valued ticket customers to donate their tickets to members of the Canadian Forces stationed at CFB Edmonton for the Oilers home game on November 24th versus the Chicago Blackhawks."
Here is the link:
Those are a few examples of professional sports teams showing they support our Canadian Troops. I know our league does not make the big bucks like those other teams, we I believe our hearts are just as big. Maybe I am biased since I am from Hamilton, but I like to think our hearts are huge.
So if you can wear red, great. If you do not want to that is of course your choice.
I hope the team steps up and decides to do something as well. From what I can see, no CFL team has done anything similar. So lets lead the way.