To the editor:
In reference to the embarrassment to parliament Mr. Rota supposedly caused, I take a totally different outlook on this situation.
I am a retired veteran of this great country, I served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 25 years. During this time I spent two tours in Germany and one tour in Israel as well as various places in Canada.
I have served/worked with people from many different countries and one thing that I quickly learned was tolerance, understanding, and forgiveness. The war has been over for over 80+ years, I say move on.
The atrocities committed by the Nazis have been dealt with and the majority of Nazi leaders punished, not every member of the Nazi party.
The soldier introduced in parliament was but a young man/soldier taking orders. He was a member of the military in his own country and homeland serving as a volunteer. Yes, the unit was overseen by the Nazis but so were homeland soldiers from dozens of countries overrun and caught up in this war.
To sum up I see the man as a proud veteran, who served his country faithfully. While the ideals at the time were terribly wrong, people have to go forward with life. I feel that the whole situation is blown out of proportion.
Thank you
Keith Ferguson
North Bay
