Letter To The Editor – Reader Wants To Know Why Isn’t There A Canadian Flag at Library?
Dear Mayor John,
This is now the 4th November 11th that there has NOT been a Canadian flag flying at the Cobourg library, a prominent building that visually marks the entrance to downtown Cobourg. When in fact, there hasn’t been a flag flying there since mid July 2019. (I also took note there are no flags on the town hall itself today – despite whatever construction was happening during the summer no longer in effect.)
The only reason one was present for July 2019 is because I had made a comment to library staff, and in turn placed a ‘suggestion’ in the comments box that perhaps since no flag was flying for the previous two Remembrance Days, that the town could at least fly one for Canada Day. One appeared a few days later, but then disappeared about mid way through the month, and hasn’t returned since.
I was advised by staff at the library – I say staff as I’ve heard nothing from management – that the building itself is cared for by Town Hall maintenance. I then inquired with said workers one day while they were attending to the library and they were aware there has been no flag – apparently because of the location of the flagpole next to an ever growing maple tree. The comments were, that there had also been discussion of moving said flagpole – two years prior (making that 3 years currently) – but nothing has come of this. I suggested perhaps trimming the tree so the flag would clear it.
This is a particular annoyance to me personally since my late grandfather was not only the first Chief Librarian for the Province of Ontario from 1937 until 1960, but also a decorated WWI and WW2 veteran. His guidelines, practices and standards are still in use to this day, and in fact an esteemed award has been named in his honour and presented to select provincial libraries ever year for outstanding achievements.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angus_McGill_Mowat
A strict army man driven by morals and beliefs, Angus would assuredly not be impressed – not to mention thoroughly outraged – that the flag is not there, not only on remembrance day, but in fact all year.
As a resident I am not impressed. And the many locals I have spoken with on this matter are not as well.
I await your response.
Sincerely,
M. W. Mowat
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love