Something quite sad happened recently. Don Cherry stated his thoughts publicly once more as he has always done. But this time he was fired from his long-time position as a hockey commentator because he apparently said something politically incorrect. Or was this simply the last drop that overflowed the glass of water?
Who Is Don Cherry?
In my dictionary, he is a Canadian Icon, no doubt! Whether the people like him or not, he has been a legend as a sports commentator and writer. In fact, as per Wikipedia “In 2004, Cherry was voted by viewers as the seventh-greatest Canadian of all-time in the CBC miniseries The Greatest Canadian.”
As an immigrant (non-Canadian born), I respect and like Don Cherry for many reasons. Among the most relevant are: he is bold, straightforward, determined, knowledgeable, he has a positive spirit, loves his country, his flag, and the game of hockey. He is proud to be Canadian and he is a special character with an interesting, folkloric flair. But above all, he has the guts to use his given right of free speech to speak in favour of this great country and for those silent soldiers who gave their lives to create a country where many want to come and live.
I sincerely hope that what he aired that day was not the only real reason he was fired. Otherwise, shame on those who made that decision and did not stand behind him regardless if his message was politically correct or not. Tough luck for those who felt offended, because during Remembrance Day the Poppy represents a visual pledge to never forget those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. This is the reason all immigrants (like myself) and Canadian born (like my wife and children), should wear a poppy. It is a symbol of respect to honour all those fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives for a better Canada. The Canada we still live in today!