Readers Share More Views on Communism Memorial
Commemorations of Local Significance
Re: Victims of Communism was "not sufficiently a Canadian story," NCC told
It is good to finally read an article that deals with the real issue concerning the proposed Tribute to Liberty Memorial of how we, as Canadians, should commemorate people, places or events of national significance.
For nearly a century, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada has been advising the Government of Canada on the commemoration of nationally significant aspects of our country's history. Was the board ever consulted on the national significance of the theme of the Memorial to the Victims of Communism? If so, where does this rank among the potental list of "victims" that we should be commemorating?
Commemorations should be based on historical events of importance to all Canadians, not just special interest groups who decide to raise money for commemorations, no matter how worthy the subject. Also, should the federal government be providing public land, funding and long-term taxpayer support to commemorate events that took place in other countries even though they are of significance to many who now call Canada home?
If we decide that we want to memorialize victims of evil, why not start with a homegrown Canadian tragedy by building a modest memorial at public expense in the national capital to the victims of Aboriginal residential schools? It is a subject of national importance and one for which we as Canadians can accept some responsibility.
David B. Flemming, Ottawa
No Place on Supreme Court Land
I have great sympathy for Marcus Kolga when he spelled out the tragic circumstances of the refugees who suffered under the communist regime. I also agree with him that the planned Memorial to the Victims of Communism must go ahead.
Where I part company with him is the location. To my mind, this memorial would be a perfect match with the Canadian Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg. To put these buildings together would enable those who visit both to see both sides of the issue of humanity, the taking away of rights and the protection of those rights.
The planned memorial has no place intruding into our Supreme Court land and diverting attention from our highest seat of law.
Carolyn Herbert, Ottawa
Click here to read Heritage Ottawa's position on the proposed Victims of Communism Memorial.