Letter to the Editor
Editor,
I note the letter to your newspaper from Mr. Rice, the president of Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #32, in your Friday, 19 May 17 (online) edition. Mr. Rice states he “was wondering if anybody else has a problem with” the idea of using the iconic red “Support Our Troops” t-shirts on the scarecrows. I thank Mr. Rice for inviting others to comment.
The Legion’s concern for appearances and propriety is most laudable. We have all seen some pretty tacky and tasteless presentations that involve some of our most cherished symbols.
Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, so I respect #32’s conclusion that using the t-shirts in this manner is a case of bad taste. However, I do not agree with it. By their very nature, and given the norms that have governed t-shirts since they became so popular four or five decades ago, t-shirts are informal and relaxed.
The Support Our Troops t-shirt is not an item of government issue, nor is there much chance of it being mistaken for being such. Actually, they are not the service member’s shirt but the public’s. They are inarguably the “people’s t-shirt” when it comes to expressing support for Canadian service members.
Given the popularity of the Scarecrow Invasion in Meaford, the red t-shirt could not hope for wider exposure in the community or a more respected venue. The scarecrows and their exhibits are always in good taste and have the full sanction of the town and community. As long as the t-shirts themselves are correct and in good condition (which should be the case because the Military Family Resource Centre at the base donated them), and given the respectability of the scarecrows, I do not think there is any substantial cause for concern. If a t-shirt cannot let its hair down, what can?
I hope #32 can be assured of the propriety of the scarecrow displays and persuaded that the informality of the t-shirt and the fun of the Scarecrow Invasion are entirely compatible.
Conversely, I am sure the Scarecrow committee will appreciate the sensitivity of serving and former service members when it comes to any display touching on the military, and assure Mr. Rice and his members that they have nothing to fear.
Sincerely,
R.D. (Robert) Bradford, Belleville
