Veterans and locals share thoughts on Christmas decor pre Remembrance Day
BELLEVILLE – Some veterans and Belleville residents have mixed feelings about Christmas decorations and promotions going up before Remembrance Day.
Opinions differed on how they feel about people putting up their Christmas lights and ornaments or retailers starting Christmas sales at the end of October and early November. While there are no formal rules, regulations or legislation against it, many feel it is an act of respect for those who served in the military to wait until after Nov. 11.
Andy Anderson, president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 99 in Belleville, says that he hasn’t really heard of an unwritten rule before.
“I think November 11’th should be set aside, as a special day and I really don’t think Christmas should really start until after,” he said. “Anything after the 12’th would fine as far as I’m concerned.”
He says that he understands that some of the smaller or local commercial stores are hurting.
“If they get a jump start they can make a few extra bucks,” Anderson said when speaking about retail stores having sales.
John Geen is another veteran who like Anderson hasn’t heard of the unwritten rule before but feels that people should probably wait.
“I put my decorations up closer to (Christmas) time,” he said. “It puts a drag on it and it takes away from it in a sense because it takes away the importance of remembering,” Geen said.
“It’s just an individual decision and If someone asks me I would say, No! – not before that time but that’s all you can do about,” he said.
Geen acknowledges retail stores should wait but recognizes the pressures facing businesses that still need to flourish.
Since there is a strong military presence in Belleville, the issue is an important one.
“There is a substantial interest in the city of Belleville, we have a very active Legion and our Army, Navy and Air Force club as well,” he said.
Jack Grindrod, who also is a veteran and works for the museum at the Belleville Armouries, says that he doesn’t have an issue with people putting up decorations before Remembrance Day but as long as they honour that day.
“As long as Remembrance Day goes as it supposes to go,” he said.
“They can put them up any day or time they like some people put them up early and some people put them up in December.”
Alex McNaught, retired teacher from Wellington, says he doesn’t1 set up his home decorations until after November 11’th. In fact, leaves his festive decorating until about two weeks before Christmas.
“It’s entirely up to them, its a business and they have to get a leg up on the consumer,” McNaught said about retailers having their Christmas decor up and items out on their shelves.
Around this time of year, some students all across the country are more engaged with both the festive season as well as honouring our veterans. Katie Perry, a public relations student and a journalism graduate at Loyalist College really understands the importance of Remembrance Day.
“I have no problem with people putting up them up early but I’d prefer if they didn’t light them up outside prior to November 11’th because its a nice way to show that you remember and that you care about the people that died for you to be able to celebrate every holiday,’ Perry said.
Some retailers already have Christmas sales advertised.
Chief Executive Officer for the Belleville Chamber of Commerce Jill Raycroft said the chamber does not dictate when businesses can decorate or advertise for Christmas. She says that the choice is entirely up to the business or individual.
However, downtown businesses will be going ahead with its Christmas program and promotion starting next week, she said.
“In our area, most retail businesses have a respect for the proximity of the base,” Raycroft said.