bare_eyed_cockatoo

On the Canival Fantasy in the early 90,s they had a American themed night.In the dining room were many American service men in full dress uniforms,very impressive.The Star Spangled Banner was sung and everyone stood respectfully, even us Canadians.Not to be out done when everyone sat down our group ,(approx.60) started to sing Oh Canada,with out exception every Marine ,sailor,airman soldier in the room stood at attention .I have never seen such a show of respect.

Wow, that must have been thrilling! What a wonderful gesture of respect!

On our last cruise, we had more wine in our wine package than we could consume alone. So on the final formal night, I went over to a table nearby and told the young American servicemen there that I wanted to give them and their travelling companions a bottle of champagne as thanks for their military service.

It was one of those mutual respect moments; I told them about my sister who works for Canada's Royal Military College and one of the lads told me that he had served alongside Canadian troops in Afghanistan.

It doesn't matter whether you spell it "honor" or "honour", I believe that it is the most important value the military teaches.

Please, consider wearing some indication of your military status on formal nights.

We just got back from 3 weeks of cruising, and we were honoured to know that serving and former members of the military were our cruising companions. We knew this only because they wore their uniforms/medals on formal nights.

On the last formal night, I gave a bottle of champagne to the two fine young men who were seated near us, as my thank you for their military service. This led to a conversation where they learned that my sister works at the Royal Military College of Canada and I learned that they had served in Afghanistan with Canadian troops. It was a wonderful moment of mutual respect.

Tara Ballance

Montreal