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The Citizen, 1989-11-15, Page 4PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989. Opinion A day like no other Remembrance Day 1989 was a day of remembrance like no other in the days since World War II. As those who lived through the horrors of the two World Wars became fewer, there has been great concern that the significance of Remembrance Day was being lost, that the sense of what those veterans had done was diminishing. For those born since the end of the Second World War, however, Remembrance Day took on a new meaning this year when it coincided with the momentous happenings in East Germany when the wall that had stood as a symbol of the emnity between the Communist East and the Democratic West literally came tumbling down. Those of the “baby boom’’ generation born since the end of the W ar could be forgiven at times if they wondered if the War ever really ended. Germany and Japan were not the enemy anymore, but the constant tension between the Soviet Union and its allies and the NATO allies made it hard to think of peace. The Second World War was barely over when the Cold War began: the uncovering of Soviet spying in Canada, the witch hunts for Communists in the U.S. in the McCarthy era, Berlin air lift, the U2 incident, the Bay of Pigs, Vietnam, Star Wars, the list of confrontations seemed to be endless. Under the circumstances, under the constant threat of nuclear destruction that the generation was raised under, could peace really have a meaning. It was a war-weary generation that never fought a war. Unlike its parents and grandparents, the post-war generation never knew the hardships of the battle front or the home front but it still had battle fatigue from the constant fear, the constant bombardment of rhetoric. Remembrance Day, 1989 was a little for the post-war generation, what Remembrance Day 1945 must have been for those who lived through the horror of the war: the first real feeling of peace. With tensions between East and West at their lowest since the real war’s end, the younger generations could really appreciate the significance even more. Somehow this year the cenotaph ceremonies took on new meaning for younger people. Somehow there was a closeness with the young men of a half-century ago who risked, and often lost, their lives in the quest for peace. Like them, today’s generations can’t know if the wonderful trend toward peace in Europe will continue. We can only be thankful that for now peace seems closer at hand. At the cenotaph, the images of young men on the battle fields can merge with the images of Germans dancing on the Berlin Wall in the hope that those who have suffered can finally find peace. How much do they make? Across southern Ontario on Sunday, a number of large food chains opened their doors in defiance of the new Sunday closing law. Once again the name of fairness was used as an excuse to break the law. The large stores claimed it wasn’t fair that the smaller stores were taking away their business on Sundays when the small stores could be open but the big ones couldn’t. The large companies said the fines, ranging from $500 to $50,000 could easily be covered by the sales of the day. It begs the question: if these stores can afford to pay a $50,000 a day fine and still make money, how much profit do they really make? What a waste Letter from the editor The death of a young person in the prime of life always seems a terrible waste but when that young person is a celebrity, particularly a person who gained fame through his strength and vitality, the tragedy seems even deeper. It’s hard to imagine Canadian Olympic swimming champion Victor Davis lifeless. During his swimming career he seemed to embody the brash vitality of youth. There were the times when his energy was - ndearing as when he burst from the water, arms raised, face contorted with a victory cry after his Olympic win. There were times when he acted like a frustrated teenager you ’ d like to spank as he did hen he kicked over a chair in front of Queen Elizabeth after losing a race. But always there seemed to be that immense energy. Now that energy is no more; instantly ended by impact with a speeding car. It’s another reminder of the fragility of life and how we should enjoy it while we can. Students get a lesson BY KEITH ROULSTON Community College teachers, being trade unionists wouldn’t likely envision it but they’re teach­ ing their students a valuable lesson in capitalism while they are on strike: greed comes first. Having a community college student available to help out more hours around this newspaper these days, I suppose I should be thankful to the strike that has left 110,000 community college stu­ dents with no place to learn but I also see the problems this strike is causing for students. Any teachers strike is difficult because innocent students are the victims but for college and university students, the risk is even higher. Anyone with a student in higher education knows the cost of a year in a college or university: $5000 will hardly touch it. Many students have worked hard for the summer, perhaps for several summers and probably taken out student loans to be able to afford their higher education. They not only have to worry about losing their year but losing the precious savings as well as they continue to have to pay for apart­ ments and tuition while they aren’t learning. Well, perhaps they are learning. They are being taught by teachers that self interest comes first. Sure, teachers like to see themselves as dedicated professionals, helping fit Continued on page 5 P.O. Box 152, BRUSSELS, Ont. NOG 1H0 Phone 887-9114 P.O. Box 429, BLYTH, Ont. NOM 1H0 Phone 523-4792 The Citizen is published weekly in Brussels, Ontario by North Huron Publishing Company Inc. Subscriptions are payable in advance at a rate of $19.OO/yr ($40.00 Foreign). Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, only that portion of the advertisement will be credited. Advertising Deadlines: Monday, 2 p m - Brussels; Monday, 4 p.m. - Blyth. We are not responsible for unsolicited newscripts or photographs. Contents of The Citizen are © Copyright Serving Brussels, Blyth, Auburn, Belgrave, Ethel, Londesborough, Walton and surrounding townships. Editor & Publisher, Keith Roulston Production Manager, Jill Roulston Advertising Manager, DaveWilliams Second Class Mail Registration No. 6968