Kids and guns: Canada Day and the military at Canada Place

by Charlie Smith on July 2nd, 2014 at 10:02 AM

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Each Canada Day, I try to visit the Canadian Forces display at Canada Place to learn more about the military. This year, I noticed a few more guns on display than in previous years. (Click photos to enlarge.)

Boys will be boys.

Charlie Smith

Be careful kids. We don't want any friendly fire.

Charlie Smith

Yes, it's real.

Charlie Smith

It's best not to fire a gun like this in heavily populated urban areas.

Charlie Smith

This one works really well when you're sitting in a foxhole.

Charlie Smith

If you're anywhere near Kandahar, you might want to wear a helmet.

Charlie Smith

Speaking of Kandahar, look what we accomplished!

Charlie Smith

Some weapons are not suitable for children.

Charlie Smith

Happiness is a warm gun.

Charlie Smith

Did you like the display? If so, sign on the dotted line.

Charlie Smith

Comments

5 Comments

Xcc

Jul 2, 2014 at 8:20pm

Charlie, cadets are not military. There is no contract. Very few actually go on to careers in the sharp end of things. In fact, given there's no combat brigade in BC, almost nobody in green will have signed a contact either (they're reservists). You are a long, long ways away from the army that actually went to war.

Secondly, South Asia is a complex neighbourhood. Canada certainly didn't meet it's goals but for a more accurate comparison of "what did we accomplish", you need to compare to a place like Quetta.

Journalists are supposed to exercise critical thinking, research skills and objectivity to protect the public's interest. All of these were lacking. Treat your profession with more respect please.

Mark

Jul 3, 2014 at 1:06pm

I'll have to be brief as being a reservist is just one of my three jobs as we las being a husband and father of two.As long as we're all checking our facts, a lot of reservists sign contracts. Reservists make up a significant portion of the troops that serve on overseas operations and an equally high proportion of those in green in BC have seen combat. Many carry the physical and emotional scars that someone sitting comfortably in their underwear at their computer will never be burdened with. You can mock and criticize the Canadian Armed Forces all you want. It's your right and it came at a high price. Next time you see guys in green humping sandbags in a flood or dragging hoses up a steep slope in a forest fire, remember they are all volunteers.

Josh

Jul 3, 2014 at 2:53pm

This article is an embarrassment to this oublication.

Jonathan

Jul 3, 2014 at 4:34pm

Apparently two sentences and a selection of photos passes for journalism now. Quite sad, really. Although I suppose the author was unable to find anyone who had a negative experience at any of the displays, which accounts for the complete lack of material. Heaven forbid Smith write about the droves of youngsters who were able to learn – yes, Charlie, learn – with delight about some of the numerous pieces of equipment in use within the Canadian Armed Forces. Or about the countless number of adults (of all ages) who stopped by to shake a soldier's hand and thank them for their service. No, only thinly veiled fear-mongering is enough for the quality standards of this author and publication.

Pathetic.