N.S. school backtracks from no-uniform request for its Remembrance Day ceremony
Sackville Heights Elementary had asked service members to wear civilian clothes during observances
A school near Halifax has reversed its earlier request that military personnel refrain from wearing uniforms at its Remembrance Day ceremony.
In its November newsletter, Sackville Heights Elementary in Middle Sackville, N.S., invited Armed Forces members to attend but asked them to wear civilian clothing to "maintain a welcoming environment for all."
Progressive Conservative Party Leader Tim Houston, who is running for re-election as premier on Nov. 26, criticized the school’s leadership, calling the request a “disgrace” and accusing them of “demeaning the people who protect our country” in a post on the social media platform X on Thursday night.
Principal Rachael Webster issued an apology to families Thursday evening, clarifying that military family members are welcome to attend in "the attire that makes them most comfortable."
In her message, Webster explained that some students come from regions affected by conflict and have expressed discomfort with visual reminders of war, including military uniforms.
She added that the school would accommodate any students who feel uneasy about seeing Armed Forces members in uniform to ensure they feel safe, though no specific details were provided.
