Unusual absence of politicians at “Support our Troops” ceremony in Hamilton

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Elected officials are invited to all kinds of public ceremonies., but they can’t possibly attend all of them. CHCH reporter Scot Urquhart attended the “Support Our Troops” ceremony in Hamilton today and reports on an unusual absence of politicians present for the ceremony.

The ceremony is an annual event to recognize, and show support for, the seven different military units that call Hamilton home. This year however, it was a little bit special as Hamilton Police Chief Glen DeCaire notes. “The targeted murders of two Canadian soldiers, unarmed, and simply doing their duty has changed the security environment here at home.”

This year, the ceremony was to honour Cpl. Nathan Cirillo. To recognize both the soldier, and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders as “Hamilton’s citizen of the year”…and to support his family members. It was an emotional moment.

And many came to be a part of it. Soldiers, sailors, UN peacekeepers…decorated war veteran and police officers. Even the North Wall Riders, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who support military veterans.

But, not a single politician, was on hand. Not the mayor, not Lloyd Ferguson, the chair of the Police Services Board. Not Terry Whitehead, who is a police services board members. No one from council, or even a provincial MPP.

Instead, civilian Vice Chair Madeleine Levy, represented the board.

When asked at City Hall about the absences, staff said they had not seen Councillor Ferguson that morning. Councillor Whitehead’s staff said he had not been invited to the event.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger would not come out of a council meeting to give a comment about his absence.