Dear Editor,

Could it be that Tim Tyler is overly pessimistic regarding the (lack of) attendance at this year's Remembrance Day service [Monday more than just a stat, Nov. 15 Yours Truly, TIMES]?

As he himself mentions, Remembrance Day fell on Sunday this year, and it is my considered opinion that a good portion of the regular attendants are practising Christians who, like ourselves, attended their morning church service and thus were unable to go to the cenotaph.

The occasion was definitely recognized in our service, and we did observe a period of silence in commemoration, as I would think happened in all or most other churches, as well.

So Tim should despair, and hold his criticism at least until next year. Perhaps he will discover, too, that his sarcasm was unfounded.

I can't agree that the very young might be excused, except that it is the parents' responsibility to bring their children.

On the paramilitary side, I am surprised at his negative experiences at the border. We are in Abbotsford usually every two weeks and cross the border frequently, and I am happy to say that we never have any problem. Could it possibly be his beard?

Regarding Christmas, I absolutely can't share his negative attitude. On the contrary I look forward to it with great expectation.

Not for the presents, the frantic spending, or the partying; not even so much for the reason that we celebrate Christ's birth, but much more that, from that moment on, we look forward to the reason why He came, namely to redeem us from our sin, which we will be remembering at Easter time.

Something to explore? It might be a life-changer.

Walter Verwoerd, Maple Ridge