Council responds to backlash after 'disappointing' Remembrance Day choice
- Replies 11
Remembrance Day is a solemn time to pause from our everyday lives and reflect on the sacrifice and service of those who fought and died for the country. However, on 11th November, the occasion was seen as being disrespected in one suburban council.
David Funnell, a resident of Camden for over two decades, felt disgusted when he saw council personnel putting up Christmas decorations while there was a Remembrance Day service taking place in the town centre. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, the long-term local was baffled as to why the council would make such a decision.
'I thought, 'they'll definitely leave it until the commemoration is finished', but lo and behold, I went back up the street a little later and the decorations were up,' he recalled. The lack of care and thought angered Funnell, who was taken aback to see locals bringing their kids down to take pictures next to the decorations.
'So disappointing,' one person remarked online after Funnell shared his opinion of the council’s actions. With the community voicing their disapproval, Funnell felt the council needed to take responsibility for their misjudgement. 'I think the council should seriously look at what the day is about number one, and educate their staff and also put out an apology and say that it will never happen again,' he said.
Camden Council did later respond to the situation, but not in the way Funnell hoped. According to a spokesperson, the installation of the Christmas decorations started prior to the Remembrance Day commemorations, and though some of the decorations were installed on the day, there was no disruption.
They also said they held off from putting a Christmas tree up in the town centre 'so the Australian flag could be flown at half-mast on Remembrance Day' and how they helped the local RSL with their memorial service.
This wasn't enough for Funnell. It's clear that if the council were more considerate of the solemn occasion, this wouldn't have been an issue.
The act of remembrance seemed to have been seen as optional. Funnell claimed that due to how he and others were brought up, the traditions of the day have obviously faded away.
Remembrance Day, originally known as Armistice Day, is a significant day in Australia's history marked and honoured each year. It signifies the end of World War I when, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the armistice was signed. It's a day when Australians, young and old, reflect on the profound sacrifice and dedication of their servicemen and women.
The story of Remembrance Day emphasises why respecting its sanctity is so important to Australians. It's about more than just a moment of silence; it's a day to reverently honour the enormous sacrifice that shaped the free and peaceful country Australia is today. Distractions such as early Christmas decorations can seem incongruous with this solemn observance and may risk insensitively overshadowing the day's significance.
This is a shame – if there's any day to put aside personal distractions and focus the nation's attention on the bravery of our armed forces, it is on Remembrance Day. It is a gesture of respect to want to take a moment to remember those who served the Australian army and those who still do. We deeply thank them for their courage and sacrifice. Let's hope going forward, councils across the nation remember the true meaning and significance of the day and show their dedication and appreciation with more than just words. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
David Funnell, a resident of Camden for over two decades, felt disgusted when he saw council personnel putting up Christmas decorations while there was a Remembrance Day service taking place in the town centre. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, the long-term local was baffled as to why the council would make such a decision.
Locals were outraged as Camden Council installed Christmas decors amidst Remembrance Day. Image: Facebook.
'I thought, 'they'll definitely leave it until the commemoration is finished', but lo and behold, I went back up the street a little later and the decorations were up,' he recalled. The lack of care and thought angered Funnell, who was taken aback to see locals bringing their kids down to take pictures next to the decorations.
'So disappointing,' one person remarked online after Funnell shared his opinion of the council’s actions. With the community voicing their disapproval, Funnell felt the council needed to take responsibility for their misjudgement. 'I think the council should seriously look at what the day is about number one, and educate their staff and also put out an apology and say that it will never happen again,' he said.
Camden Council did later respond to the situation, but not in the way Funnell hoped. According to a spokesperson, the installation of the Christmas decorations started prior to the Remembrance Day commemorations, and though some of the decorations were installed on the day, there was no disruption.
They also said they held off from putting a Christmas tree up in the town centre 'so the Australian flag could be flown at half-mast on Remembrance Day' and how they helped the local RSL with their memorial service.
Some locals believed that the council should’ve held off decorations after Remembrance Day. Image: Facebook.
This wasn't enough for Funnell. It's clear that if the council were more considerate of the solemn occasion, this wouldn't have been an issue.
The act of remembrance seemed to have been seen as optional. Funnell claimed that due to how he and others were brought up, the traditions of the day have obviously faded away.
Remembrance Day, originally known as Armistice Day, is a significant day in Australia's history marked and honoured each year. It signifies the end of World War I when, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the armistice was signed. It's a day when Australians, young and old, reflect on the profound sacrifice and dedication of their servicemen and women.
We should thank and remember all the sacrifices of the ones who served and are still serving Australia. Image: Freepik.
The story of Remembrance Day emphasises why respecting its sanctity is so important to Australians. It's about more than just a moment of silence; it's a day to reverently honour the enormous sacrifice that shaped the free and peaceful country Australia is today. Distractions such as early Christmas decorations can seem incongruous with this solemn observance and may risk insensitively overshadowing the day's significance.
This is a shame – if there's any day to put aside personal distractions and focus the nation's attention on the bravery of our armed forces, it is on Remembrance Day. It is a gesture of respect to want to take a moment to remember those who served the Australian army and those who still do. We deeply thank them for their courage and sacrifice. Let's hope going forward, councils across the nation remember the true meaning and significance of the day and show their dedication and appreciation with more than just words. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
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