School reverses request for military members not to wear uniforms at Remembrance Day ceremony

A local elementary school has “reconsidered” its decision to ask military members not to wear uniforms to its remembrance day ceremony.

Sackville Heights elementary school, in a November newsletter, said veterans and current service members were welcome at its ceremony, but asked that they dress in civilian clothes to “maintain a welcoming environment for all”.

“Like most HRCE schools, Sackville Heights Elementary has a diverse student population, some of whom have come from countries experiencing conflict and have expressed discomfort with images of war, which includes those of individuals in military uniforms,” wrote Halifax Regional Centre for Education spokesperson Lindsey Bunin in a statement to 95.7 NewsRadio. “The school’s intention was to ensure that everyone taking part in the ceremony could feel comfortable.”

Bunin says the school has reconsidered that decision, so past and present service members and have RSVP’d to the event at the school are welcome to wear their uniforms.

“The school has also let families know that if any child has concerns about seeing members in uniform, that they can reach out to the school directly and will be accommodated in a way that makes them feel safe,” Bunin wrote.

The request was met with pushback from political leaders in Nova Scotia. Progressive Conservative leader Tim Houston issued a statement calling the decision “demeaning to the people who protect this country”. Liberal leader Zach Churchill meantime called the move “short-sighted” and called on the school to reverse the decision.