While on a recent trip to the U.S., we purchased what is known as a Unity Flag, which is half Canadian and half American and which honours the co-operation and association of two friendly neighbour nations.
We even hung the flag on the side of the house between ourselves and our next-door neighbour, rather than at the front, to honour the friendship that we have.
This past Friday, June 1, while we were out of town, our housesitter noticed someone in our yard looking at the flag and upon inquiring what he was doing this person declared that he did not like the flag with Canada tacked to the American “backside,” and demanded that it be given to him. When the housesitter explained that it was not his to give, the person was joined by another individual and they threatened to come on the deck and take it away from him.
With discretion being the better part of valour in a two on one situation, the flag and flagstaff were handed over.
We truly feel sorry for the state for mind of these two “brave patriots” who would stoop to trespass, intimidation and robbery to appease their misguided feelings of Canadian inferiority.
Should the perpetrators wish to return the flag and staff where they got them there will be no questions asked.
Anyone with information leading to the return of our flag, can do so anonymously if desired by leaving a note in the mailbox in front of the house.
It does seem a shame that in a world full of struggle for peace, that even in the small town of Sicamous, bigotry and prejudice can rear their ugly heads.
Julia Reid and Fred Slater