LEST WE FORGET!

Cpl. Matthew Dinning’s father, as reported in the Winnipeg Free Press, wrote a letter to Steven Harper a number of weeks before his son’s death on behalf of his son who was upset that the government would no longer lower the flags for fallen soldiers. Lincoln Dinning has never gotten a written response. At Matthew’s funeral, the family showed video footage of Matthew’s life, and to also make a point, included at the end the images of the 23-year-old’s remains returning to CFB Trenton, this was footage that the media was forced to shoot from behind barbed wire fences. Lincoln Dinning was quoted; “Now I’d like to show you some of the video that Mr. Harper wouldn’t let you see: close-up(s) of Matthew’s arrival home.” The Winnipeg Rifles were established for many very good reasons. Beyond the obvious, that of developing football skills in our players, we are developing young men. Our program, as I have often said, “is in the business of using football as a vehicle to grow healthy young men; physically, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually, into contributing members of their community on all fronts as; community leaders, husbands, fathers, brothers and the like.” Part of this development includes a constant reminder of who they owe the wonderful opportunities they have been given in their lives. In my mind it is not enough to remember just on November 11th but wherever and whenever we are able. The Rifles do that in our community and with our players each and every time they put on the uniform and wear the colors of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles Regiment. It is an important part of their formation, a part of becoming a man of integrity, a man of honour and a man who embraces the spirit of esprit de corps. Mr. Harper, show you have integrity, show that you are one who can admit to a mistake, honour the Dinning family and all families who have lost sons and who will lose sons, and now daughters (Capt. Nichola Goddard killed in action, May 17, 2006) lower the flags and allow Canadians across our country to share their grief through the media in a respectful way. “For the ultimate sacrifice that any one person can make is their life for others.” Jim Ladd Proudly Canadian http://www.winnipegrifles.com [Proofreader's note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on May 28, 2006]

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