Today is Veterans Day here in the United States; in Canada and many other countries it’s Remembrance Day, a name I think more fitting to mark the somber occasion that the day represents: a commemoration of the hard work of and sacrifices made by military men and women in wars and conflicts past and present. Moreover it’s an occasion to reflect upon the price we as a society—not to mention the personal cost borne by families and individuals—have paid and continue to pay for the freedoms and liberties that we hold so dear.

Therefore I was rather taken aback when I saw an ad on television promoting Macy’s “Veterans Day Sale”. While I would never argue against their right to hold a sale for any reason that they want, to reduce the name of the day to an excuse to discount prices on goods and sell more merchandise seems a bit tasteless to say the least. Could they cast a more appallingly banal light upon what’s supposed to be a somber, meaningful occasion?

Freedom is not free, and it can’t be purchased at your stores, Macy’s. Shame on you!