Pat McKeon

Honouring Our Veterans

On November 11 each year we remember the men and women who have served in our armed forces.  We honour those who have given their lives to bring about peace in our world. On Remembrance Day, when I watch the ceremonies televised from the National War Memorial in Ottawa, participate in London’s solemn remembrance of our veterans, or listen to radio broadcasts of the stories and soul-stirring songs of World War Two, I am profoundly affected.   The aging veterans of WWII marching in Ottawa, wearing medals and berets, present a powerful image of the human costs of war.  In WWII, Canadian soldiers or their forefathers were likely to have immigrated from the British Isle or France. Canadians were united in fighting for their own country as well as for Britain and France.  WWII was our war fought by our citizens for our Country. 

Today our population is more diverse. Wars in far-off places are perceived as less relevant. Brigadier Romeo Dallaire took command of a lightly armed force of 2,500 troops in Rwanda in 1993.  When the situation worsened Dallaire’s urgent request to the United Nations headquarters in New York for more troops and was turned down. The murder of Rwanda’s president shortly afterwards initiated a war in which the Hutu populations exterminated the Tutsis; 8,000 persons were murdered, and 2,000,000 persons became refugees. Canadian Armed Forces have served as peacekeepers in Rwanda (1993-95), Cyprus (1964- 93), Afghanistan (2001-2014), The Bosnia-Herzegovina (1992-2010), Namibia (1989-1990), Mali (2018.2023).  Our military personnel have engaged in battles or assisted other nations by training troops, providing transportation, logistics, and stabilizing emerging countries. 

Today, conflicts in Africa, Afghanistan and the Balkans seem peripheral and less relevant to us. I was told by an officer who fought in Afghanistan that the war there seemed to accomplish nothing; there was little enthusiasm for joining in this venture. Many veterans of these wars have suffered greatly but their stories receive little public recognition. At home Canadian veterans of foreign wars and peacekeeping services do not “fit” in the culture of the Canadian Legion.  Participation in the many branches of this organization throughout Canada has declined significantly.  However, concern for our veterans, pride in their service to Canada, and a desire to honour them still flourish.

Romeo Dallaire’s open stories of his post-traumatic stress have taught us the terrifying price of war for our combatants. In London, Veterans’ Parkway honours our veterans and reminds us of their sacrifices. This year the Invictus Games for veterans wounded in war will take place in February 2025 in Whistler, BC.  These games validate the courage of our veterans, arouse pride, and instill hope. Let us continue to honour and thank our veterans in national and local memorial ceremonies, monuments, and public recognition.  May we work towards peace in all our relationships, and hope for a future that is free of wars.

“God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away”. Book of Revelations, 21:4

-Sister Patricia McKeon

Image: Unsplash/Ellie Pourreza @ellieeepr  |

Summer Reading for Lazy Days 

Summer Reading for Lazy Days 

Have you decided that you deserve a break this summer from reading intellectual textbooks, reports, and dense papers?  If so, let me recommend an enjoyable series of light mystery stories written by Ashley Weaver.  Murder at Brightwell is the first of a series of seven books.  The protagonists are a wealthy couple who, especially the wife, become interested in solving murders while working through the marital conflicts stemming from their personalities and histories.  The plots are surprisingly complicated and the development, or not, of marital bliss keeps you hoping that the couple will have success both as amateur detectives and marital partners.   

There is another series of three mystery novels by the same author which I found entertaining.  The main character is a young woman whose family consists of persons who are loyal to England but sometimes on the wrong side of the law. However, family members have skills that become valuable to the British Government in England during WWII.  Once again, a mix of patriotism, romance, and unusual skills result in enjoyable hours of entertainment.   

The Ashley Weaver novels are available in public libraries but can also be accessed for reading on your iPad using the readily available APP Libby.  Library staff will facilitate your acquiring and using this APP. I suggest that these books, whether in print or on your IPad are delightful companions when you are lounging at the beach, loafing in the backyard, or awake in the small hours of the night.  

-Sister Pat McKeon , csj

Image: Anna Hamilton/Unsplash

World Press Freedom Day

World Press Freedom Day

The thirty-first annual World Press Freedom Day will be held on May 3.  It is a time to reflect on the quality and adequacy of information about events and situations that impact our lives in Canada.  Consider the role of journalists and news organizations in obtaining information, obstacles that impede the publication of information that impacts the well-being and freedom of people, the health of our environment, and the administration of justice. World Press Freedom Day is also a time to consider the responsibility of each of us in advocating and protecting freedom of the press.

In south-western Ontario communities our news reporters, radio and television stations generally, in my opinion, function quite well.  For example, in London, Mayor Josh Morgan is available weekly on the radio to provide information about local government and respond to citizens who phone in with questions.  Newspapers report information about the administration of justice, safety, environmental, and social issues,  Local radio explores current problems such as public transportation or traffic safety.  Citizens have opportunities to raise concerns through letters to the editor or phone calls to a radio station.

Provincially, information about the public good is less available.  Questions arise about private healthcare facilities unjustly charging patients for services, the sale of public land reserved for green spaces, particular developers being favoured, or the construction of highways that many consider unnecessary.  At the federal level, news organizations and journalists protected by legislation continue to demand answers about matters pertinent to the public good.  Yet the government often fails to respond in a timely or adequate manner.  Long-promised revisions of the Access to Information Act languish.  We are fortunate to have journalists who will investigate questionable situations, and report possible abuses. Public pressure and the persistence of journalists uncover actions that the government attempts to keep secret, such as the interference of foreign governments in elections, and the sale of scientific information and products to China.

Attempts to prevent or block disclosure of information occur for various reasons. Information about safety concerns may result in fines, lawsuits, loss of reputation, votes, business, or jobs.  Competent women are sometimes targeted because they are successful in roles traditionally filled by men such as politicians, police,  airplane pilots, or CEOs. In Ontario, there have been several incidents of local female members of city or town councils being targeted by verbal or physical harm. This discourages women from participating in politics.  Corruption in political leaders may lead to scandal, theft of public funds, or defeat in elections. 

Each of us can help to preserve freedom of information.  One way to do this may be by writing a letter to your local city council or member of parliament about a public concern.  Respectful complaints or inquiries about concerns encourage the provision of civil answers.  Prompt and truthful responses would facilitate trust.  Acknowledging errors, failures, and wrongdoing along with what corrective action is being taken is far more acceptable than denial and procrastination.

Democracy cannot survive without freedom of the Press and protecting this freedom is the responsibility of each one of us. On this World Press Freedom Day, may all of us consider ways in which we can support freedom of the press.

-Sister Patricia McKeon

Images: Patrick Fore, Thomas Charters/Unsplash

Civic Pride in Peril: Confronting the Issue of Waste in Our City

Our beautiful city, London Ontario, has numerous parks and a network of trails. I frequently walk on nearby trails where I encounter people of all ages, including groups of school children (and their teachers) joggers, cyclists, and children accompanied by parents, who feed ducks or catch and release frogs. But I am often saddened by the plastic bags and bottles, beer cans, coffee cups, styrofoam containers, candy wrappers, rotting food, empty snack bags, cardboard, paper, kleenex, cardboard boxes, and scrap paper that line our streets, spoil our trails and clog our parks. The amount of litter thrown on public property exceeds the capacity of City staff and ordinary Londoners who voluntarily pick up debris. 

Sister Pat with Jerry Pribil, London Council Member

A week ago, I spoke to Jerry Pribil, the Council member responsible for London’s parks and recreation departments, about the problem of trash in our city.  Mr. Pribil suggested that he accompany me on a walk. Accordingly, we walked along streets and the connecting North London trail adjacent to Ross Park. Mr. Pribil pulled a large garbage bag out of his pocket and proceeded to pick up garbage, hopping over the barrier along the ravine and reaching through bushes.  We mourned this regrettable garbage situation and discussed possible remedies.  I learned that Mr. Pribil, a member of Antler River Rally, participates in their monthly cleanups.  In these events, large groups of volunteers gather at an area in London bordering the Thames River to pick up and dispose of large amounts of trash. Information about this amazing organization may be found here. You may even want to join the group.

During our walk, we discussed the deplorable problem of garbage littering London’s parks, trails, and streets. Removing trash is essential but prevention is far more desirable than a cure; we need both. Occasional letters to the London Free Press indicate that Londoners are disturbed by the lack of cleanliness on our streets, trails, and parks. We require a culture shift. How, as a community, can we develop a mindset that views littering on our streets as unacceptable? How might organizations, businesses, and home or apartment owners help with the litter problem?  What constraints deter action and how can they be overcome?

I invite anyone reading this blog to respond by choosing to take one action towards resolving the problem of litter in our city.

-Sister Patricia McKeon, csj

Image: Markus Spiske/Unsplash

London’s Parks, Trails, and Streets: Gratitude and Dismay 

LONDON, ONTARIO, CANADA

London, Ontario has more than 500 parks, 7 million trees, and in excess of 330 km of walking and biking trails, all maintained in excellent condition by our city staff.   This year, the abundance of rain has caused our trees, bushes, and grasses to bloom like a tropical rainforest.  London’s website provides abundant information to entice exploration of this richness. It is a great pleasure to explore our well-kept streets, parks, and trails. Yet, there is a blight that mars our city. The roads and pathways are infested with empty bottles, beer cans, plastic containers, coffee cups, tissues, candy wrappers, plastic bags, and other debris.  Although some Londoners don disposable gloves, pick up “junk”, and dispose of it in designated receptacles, the plague persists and seems to overpower benevolent efforts to eradicate it. 

Litter impacts our waterways

I wonder what transpires in the minds of those who treat public spaces as garbage cans.  Perhaps they were not properly educated about environmental responsibilities? Do offenders expect others to clean up after them?  Do they consider the effects of their actions on the beauty of our city or the pleasure of others?  

Nature & Litter - an unsightly mix

I know this is not unique to London and I wonder what could be done to develop a culture in which each of us feels responsible for creating and maintaining the natural attractions of one’s city. 

In a less than benevolent mood, I mused about imposing fines on offenders, assigning them to pick up debris, or scrub the graffiti from park benches, bridge support structures, and railings.  Sadly, I suspect that such measures would feed anger and instigate strident claims about “rights and freedoms”.  It is the selfless and caring actions of others, not criticism, that inspire me to be more generous and desirous of building community. So, some alternate suggestions come to mind: 

  • Would our City Council and community businesses consider creating an honorary white knight position with the “knight” being appointed by Mayor Josh Morgan? The knight’s responsibility would be to distribute certificates and vouchers randomly to persons of any age whom he or she sees picking up garbage or cleaning graffiti.  

  • Arrange for more garbage containers at convenient locations.  

  • Order garbage bags and protective gloves to be supplied to volunteer environment protectors and enhancers. 

  • Lead by word and example in properly disposing of the garbage we generate as we drive, bicycle, or walk on our streets, parks, and trails. 

  • Donate vouchers to be awarded by the honorary white knight, e.g., a gift certificate for a coffee shop, grocery store, theatre production, hockey game, hydro bill payment, Blue Jays' game, Stratford play, iPad or phone.  

  • Volunteer to remove graffiti from public places. 

  • Select artists and aspiring artists to paint murals in appropriate locations.  

  •  Publicize examples of how our combined efforts contribute to the splendor and enjoyment of our city.  

We can't solve the garbage problem alone, but together we can contribute our ideas, time, and talents to support and create a beautiful environment in London, Ontario, and in all of our cities.

-Sister Patricia McKeon, CSJ