A few Winnipeg Raging Grannies standing in the rain at Vimy Ridge Park.
On Saturday, June 14, 2014, the Winnipeg Raging Grannies for Social Justice stood defiant in the pouring rain at Vimy Ridge Park and sang several songs advocating against war, defending of our Canadian Armed Forces personnel and criticizing pension cuts our Armed Forces are facing, thanks to the current government, they said.
“Yes, Mr. Harper, we are talking to you,” stated one of the Grannies. “Have you ever gone to war, Mr. Prime Minister?”
The Winnipeg Peace Alliance march had just concluded and about 60 folks from various ethnic backgrounds crowded together under wet tents to share songs and music.
The rain didn’t stop fearless peace supporters from showing up the rally in support of “No more war!”
All applauded as the Grannies sang and showed support for the men and women who have diligently and fearlessly served to protect our country and other countries, all in the line of duty.
Other advocators of the Winnipeg Peace Alliance were in attendance. Some included representatives from Canadian aboriginal communities, Chinese Falun Dafa, African Canadians, and representatives from the Canadian Leadership Muslim Community. All of which agreed on the demand, “No more war!”
Members of Winnipeg’s Peace Alliance marching in the rain through downtown Winnipeg.
The Grannies said they wanted to remind everyone that the Canadian Armed Forces served this country for several decades and were promised their full pensions when they enlisted.
They also pointed out that Members of Parliament only need to serve one term on Parliament Hill in order to automatically qualify for a lifetime pension paid for by Canadian taxpayers.
“There is something ethically and morally wrong with your system, Mr. Harper, and the Winnipeg Raging Grannies are raging loud and clear about it,” the Grannies stated. “Uphold the promises of a full pension to our brave men and women who have served in our Armed Forces.”
Some of the Grannies acknowledged that even though they may play only a small role in this debate, they “promise to continue to rage and do our part for social justice,” they said.
Further information regarding The Winnipeg Raging Grannies for Social Justice can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/winnipegraginggrannies or at the Raging Grannies International website at www.raginggrannies.org
International sign for The Raging Grannies.
All photos by Bonny Hill
