An apology from south of the border

[suzanna1066@comcast.]

I just want to apologize to any and all Canadians for a group of my fellow countrymen who refused to stand for Le Cellier's daily rendition of O Canada even after being asked 3 times to stand up! I was absolutely mortified.

The staff at Le Cellier was obviously offended and I overheard a couple of the servers saying they did not want them sitting in their area. I don't blame them, what morons.

 

[SandraC]

Thanks....I appreciate your post.

Blessings, Sandra

 

[Mickey's Best Girl]

Unfortunately things like that happen

Although you are in no way responsible for apologizing for these people, I very much appreciate it! The actions of a group of "morons" will in no way hinder how this Canadian feels about the majority of our neighbours to the south. As they say, there's one (or two or three....) in every crowd.


Thank you!
Kathy

 

[SandraC]

My company has an annual function where over 1000 people are invited. It's a lovely dinner and event. It always starts with O Canada. Everyone at my table stood except one person who appeared really pissed that O Canada was playing. I asked her if she was physically unable to stand, she said no. I told her that I was offended and since we were at a work function she should stand and leave her personal agenda at home.

The next day my boss called and asked for a meeting. Boss mentioned the O Canada thing. I said that the woman was wrong to stay sitting during O Canada for a work event. I also said that since she sat during a work function, what do you think she's up to with our clients? My boss realized I was right....issue dropped.

If someone stays sitting during O Canada during vacation, it's okay. However, I'd wonder why their cheese soup tasted like Canadian pee.

LOL! S

 

[CrystalS]

I understand that many find it rude to not stand, but I would like to offer another side.

I don't know why any of those people didn't stand, but I know that for myself (being a canadian even) I don't stand or sing during any national anthem, but its not because I'm rude or obnoxious.
It is because of my religious beliefs that I don't stand.

So if someone told you they weren't standing because of a religious belief, would you still be appalled?
If you think that's a reasonable reason not to stand, do you think that someone should HAVE to tell you their reason for not standing/singing?

What about people that may not have a religious or physical condition preventing them, should they be forced to stand?

Not trying to start a fight or anything, but just wondering who made the rule that EVERYONE should have to stand/sing?

 

[CanadianPaco]

I understand that many find it rude to not stand, but I would like to offer another side.

I don't know why any of those people didn't stand, but I know that for myself (being a canadian even) I don't stand or sing during any national anthem, but its not because I'm rude or obnoxious.
It is because of my religious beliefs that I don't stand.

So if someone told you they weren't standing because of a religious belief, would you still be appalled?
If you think that's a reasonable reason not to stand, do you think that someone should HAVE to tell you their reason for not standing/singing?

What about people that may not have a religious or physical condition preventing them, should they be forced to stand?

Not trying to start a fight or anything, but just wondering who made the rule that EVERYONE should have to stand/sing?

Aaaah religious belief and patriotism! The makings of a heated post!

 

[Ham Ham]

No need to apologize OP, asshats are part of every country.

 

[cslittle999]

I think people should stand when a country's national anthem is played simply out of respect. I wouldn't expect foreigners to sing though. I always stand for the US national anthem when I attend a US sporting event for exactly that reason.

 

[LSmith]

Well, there was American waiter last week who was rude to our whole table. Can you apologize to us for his rudeness as well please?

Seriously, why would you feel the need to apologize for a stranger's behaviour?

Also, why is it anyone's business whether or not they stand for an anthem? It is not against the law not to stand.

I remember a child in my sixth grade who was told by his parents that he was not allowed to stand during the anthem. This was for religious reasons. The teacher was so mad he made him stand in the hall for the first two weeks every time it played until the boy's parents intervened.

 

[DutchsMommy]

So if someone told you they weren't standing because of a religious belief, would you still be appalled?

I am sorry - and this is my opinion - but I would be appalled (ok maybe a tad strong of a word but...). I do not understand how a religion could have any bearing on being proud of your country and showing respect for the country you live in? As a citizen of Canada, I think it is our duty to show pride and repect for the country we live in, regardless of our religious beliefs.

As far as standing for another's anthem, I agree with cslittle - you should show respect and expect that respect to in turn be shown to you. A pretty good approach for most things in life!

 

[suzanna1066@comcast.]

I understand that many find it rude to not stand, but I would like to offer another side.

I don't know why any of those people didn't stand, but I know that for myself (being a canadian even) I don't stand or sing during any national anthem, but its not because I'm rude or obnoxious.
It is because of my religious beliefs that I don't stand.

So if someone told you they weren't standing because of a religious belief, would you still be appalled?
If you think that's a reasonable reason not to stand, do you think that someone should HAVE to tell you their reason for not standing/singing?

What about people that may not have a religious or physical condition preventing them, should they be forced to stand?

Not trying to start a fight or anything, but just wondering who made the rule that EVERYONE should have to stand/sing?[/QUOT

I am not a nationalist but I think it is simply respectful to stand. You don't have to sing or even listen. There were no physical limitations on these folks, they were just being rude. The lady who came into the restaurant in a wheelchair even stood.

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

I am sorry - and this is my opinion - but I would be appalled (ok maybe a tad strong of a word but...). I do not understand how a religion could have any bearing on being proud of your country and showing respect for the country you live in? As a citizen of Canada, I think it is our duty to show pride and repect for the country we live in, regardless of our religious beliefs.

As far as standing for another's anthem, I agree with cslittle - you should show respect and expect that respect to in turn be shown to you. A pretty good approach for most things in life!

Ditto. I have a unique perspective, as I am a dual American/Canadian citizen. I moved to Canada 12 years ago, and I always thought it was so cool that we honored each other's anthems at hockey games etc...We are a lucky continent to have such a special relationship between our countries...I am not offended by this behaviour (spelling, I have been here too long), but I think it is a sign of respect not only to the other country, but to our neighbors (spelling, well, maybe not too long) to stand up, especially when asked.

 

[LSmith]

The lady who came into the restaurant in a wheelchair even stood.[/QUOTE]

Sounds like a miracle to me.

 

[CrystalS]

A Jehovahs witness is still respectful to the country they live in, and other countries as well. That is why we pay our taxes, follow the laws etc.
We will even stand respectfully when the flag is presented, so far as the act of standing, in that particular circumstance, is not itself the act of worship. This is in obedience to the scriptures that plainly say that God does not share his worship with images representing anything in the sky, on the ground, or in the sea.-(Exodus 20:4)
So if an announcement is made "everyone please sing the national anthem", then we could stand. But if the announcement is to "please stand and sing" or even just "please stand for our national anthem" in most cases a JW will not stand.
Not because we are being disrespectful, but because in that instance, standing is what is being considered the act of worship.

So it all depends on the situation, and some may be confused or not hear the wording used and so they may stay seated just in case.

I think as long as they aren't getting up and leaving, it shouldn't bother anyone. At least they are respectfully sitting quietly instead of continuing whatever it is they were doing, now that might be rude....

Just my opinion



Oh and I do realize that in the situation that the OP is referring to, those people may not have been JW's. But I'm just throwing this out there as something to think of before immediately judging someone...

 

[LSmith]

A Jehovahs witness is still respectful to the country they live in, and other countries as well. That is why we pay our taxes, follow the laws etc.
We will even stand respectfully when the flag is presented, so far as the act of standing, in that particular circumstance, is not itself the act of worship. This is in obedience to the scriptures that plainly say that God does not share his worship with images representing anything in the sky, on the ground, or in the sea.-(Exodus 20:4)
So if an announcement is made "everyone please sing the national anthem", then we could stand. But if the announcement is to "please stand and sing" or even just "please stand for our national anthem" in most cases a JW will not stand.
Not because we are being disrespectful, but because in that instance, standing is what is being considered the act of worship.

So it all depends on the situation, and some may be confused or not hear the wording used and so they may stay seated just in case.

I think as long as they aren't getting up and leaving, it shouldn't bother anyone. At least they are respectfully sitting quietly instead of continuing whatever it is they were doing, now that might be rude....

Just my opinion

Oh and I do realize that in the situation that the OP is referring to, those people may not have been JW's. But I'm just throwing this out there as something to think of before immediately judging someone...

Well said CrystalS.

I'm always perplexed at how easily we allow ourselves to be offended by other's beliefs. As long as they are not hurting anyone and are sitting quietly how is it anyone's right to tell them to stand?

I often see things that irritate me about other people. Is it my right to tell them? How obnoxious.

We live in a free country...as long as you follow the herd.

 

[Mike2023]

A Jehovahs witness is still respectful to the country they live in, and other countries as well. That is why we pay our taxes, follow the laws etc.
We will even stand respectfully when the flag is presented, so far as the act of standing, in that particular circumstance, is not itself the act of worship. This is in obedience to the scriptures that plainly say that God does not share his worship with images representing anything in the sky, on the ground, or in the sea.-(Exodus 20:4)
So if an announcement is made "everyone please sing the national anthem", then we could stand. But if the announcement is to "please stand and sing" or even just "please stand for our national anthem" in most cases a JW will not stand.
Not because we are being disrespectful, but because in that instance, standing is what is being considered the act of worship.

So it all depends on the situation, and some may be confused or not hear the wording used and so they may stay seated just in case.

I think as long as they aren't getting up and leaving, it shouldn't bother anyone. At least they are respectfully sitting quietly instead of continuing whatever it is they were doing, now that might be rude....

Just my opinion



Oh and I do realize that in the situation that the OP is referring to, those people may not have been JW's. But I'm just throwing this out there as something to think of before immediately judging someone...

Thanks for the insight on something I truly did not understand before reading.

In general though, I still think its rude not to stand when the anthem is played. But the choice I guess has to be made.

 

[Ham Ham]

Begun it has.....

 

[rune_74]

Well said CrystalS.

I'm always perplexed at how easily we allow ourselves to be offended by other's beliefs. As long as they are not hurting anyone and are sitting quietly how is it anyone's right to tell them to stand?

I often see things that irritate me about other people. Is it my right to tell them? How obnoxious.

We live in a free country...as long as you follow the herd.

No, you live in a free country because of the price alot of people paid for it to be free. I am a proud member of the canadian armed forces and I love my country and I always stand. When you stand for your national anthem you are showing respect to not just the flag but to those that have fought and died for our country. So many people love to use it's a free country, when in reality your freedom came at a price. Think on that.

 

[LSmith]

No, you live in a free country because of the price alot of people paid for it to be free. I am a proud member of the canadian armed forces and I love my country and I always stand. When you stand for your national anthem you are showing respect to not just the flag but to those that have fought and died for our country. So many people love to use it's a free country, when in reality your freedom came at a price. Think on that.

Just by saying "no" you are trying to tell me that I don't live in a free country and force your thinking on me. Good luck.

BTW I DO stand for the anthem. I love my country too but price or no price it is STILL a free country. Chew on that.

 

[rune_74]

Just by saying "no" you are trying to tell me that I don't live in a free country and force your thinking on me. Good luck.

BTW I DO stand for the anthem. I love my country too but price or no price it is STILL a free country. Chew on that.

If forcing people to recognize that the flag and anthem mean alot more then just a song and a flag that people gave you that ability to be free, if this is wrong hell I have no idea what is right.

I think(my opinion) that its a sign of respect...something sorely missing in todays society. Just because you pay taxes does not make you patriot of your country, you pay taxes because you are forced to.

Take it for granted and cry when it is gone.