The Edmonton Eskimos are often a pretentious organization, emboldened enough that they initially balked at wearing in-game microphones as mandated by the CFL.
But on Friday they’re doing something sincere. Quite admirable, really.
The Eskimos will be halting their practice at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 for a moment of silence to honour war veterans. It’s Remembrance Day. It’s not a national holiday, although it’s treated as such throughout most of Canada. Canadians wear poppies to remember. In the United Kingdom, two soccer teams fought to wear commemorative poppies during a game. When Americans see somebody wearing a poppy, they ask what it’s about.
Well, it’s about the men and women who fought for all our countries. It’s about remembering the men and women who died in battle. The Canadian Football League has done some nice tributes to the Canadian Armed Forces. And on Friday, the Eskimos will properly show that even their upcoming playoff game, slated for Sunday against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, is less important than honouring our heroes.