Reader defends proud Sault tradition of compassion

On Mother's Day, when so many of us are remembering children and mothers we have lost, Loyal SooToday.com reader Marian Wood sent us a poignant appeal to continue a tradition that has made our community remarkable to so many visitors.

Her appeal and passionate admonishment follows.

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This letter is a question the citizens of Sault Ste. Marie.

I am a lifelong resident of our beautiful city and have always been so proud.

Something has happened that has me questioning what has happened.

All my life I have been proud of our city showing respect for our lost loved ones taking their last ride to the graveyard and family carefully following behind to pay last respects.

People along the route always took the time to share that respect by stopping their cars, trucks and taking a moment to show respect.

But this week while making that last journey with my loved one I was shocked to witness cars speeding by.

People going about their daily duties and showing no respect. What has happened?

Has our lives become so busy that we can not take two minutes to pay respect to someone taking their last ride?

The respect shown in the past has always been something that set our city apart from others.

Out of town people attending funerals have always been honoured by witnessing this respect in our city.

Many letters have been written commenting on how honourable it felt to witness the respect shown by our citizens.

People removed hats. workmen stopped and bowed heads, cars stopped, prayers were said.

Why, oh why, must the good things in life change?

Let us get back to paying respect.

That person taking their last ride was a proud member or our community.

That person has contributed to our development.

They have family and friends who love them.

Please think about this the next time you see that funeral procession.

Take off your hat.

stop and reflect for two minutes.

Get off your cell phones.

Pay the respect to the dearly departed and the loving family.

I beg of you Sault Ste. Marie.

Save this wonderful tradition.

This is what makes us Saultites - Our respect - Our tradition.

It is a glowing example of what a beautiful respectful community we are.

Thank you Marian Wood

Proud to be a Saultite forever!

I will stand and put my hand on my heart and bow my head to pay respects to everyone making that final journey and pray for the families dealing with the loss of a loved one.

Will you?