l’École Polytechnique de Montréal
December 6 is a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
This is a Canadian day
of remembrance and is also known informally as White Ribbon Day. On December 6,
1989, 14 women, individuals at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal, were killed
in a gender-based act of violence. The massacre occurred when Marc Lepine, an
armed student, murdered the fourteen women and injured ten others, in the name
of fighting feminism.
The women who died
were:
Geneviève Bergeron Hélène ColganNathalie Croteau Barbara Daigneault
Anne-Marie Edward Maud Haviernick
Barbara Klucznik Widajewicz Maryse Laganière
Maryse Leclair Anne-Marie Lemay
Sonia Pelletier Michèle Richard
Annie St-Arneault Annie Turcotte
In 1991, the
Parliament of Canada declared December 6th to be the National Day of
Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. The day now represents a time
to reflect on the phenomenon of violence against women in our society. It is
also a day for communities and individuals to speak out against all forms of
violence against women and its impact on victims and their families and
friends.
Canadian flags on
all federal buildings – including the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa,
Ontario – are flown at half-mast on December 6. Canadians are encouraged to
observe a minute of silence on December 6 and to wear a white ribbon as a
commitment to end violence against women. Candlelight vigils, memorial
services, and other events are held throughout the country.
This was an ugly day in our country. In a sad way - it makes me proud - we still honour these women. Sad because we have to honour them because of such a senseless tragic event.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this Beverley, I agree with Victoria, sad that such a needless event had to occur before notice was taken.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting, both of you. It always seems to take some senseless violence to make people notice there is an issue that needs to be addressed.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard about this holiday. I'm saddened that the USA doesn't have a day of remembrance for the many women who've given their lives for our country. I don't think there's been a specific act against women on US soil but women are targeted all throughout the world. It's time to say No Way!
ReplyDeleteI agree and I like the US commercials about violence again women - No More!
ReplyDeleteThe incident in Canada was a man who only shot women and said it was an act against feminism which I think really got people's attention.