Some people are raising their eyebrows over an upcoming event at a Calgary bar organizers say is meant to commemorate a famous WWII photo.
The ‘Remembrance Day Makeout Party” is being held on November 11 at the Local 510 Public Kitchen and Tavern on 17 Ave. S.W.
The iconic photo of a sailor planting a kiss on a young woman celebrating the end of WWII is used on posters to advertise the even calling people to ‘Make Love, Not War.”
People like Jean Nelson say that a makeout party on Remembrance Day is disrespectful to veterans. “Remembrance Day is for remembering our fallen heroes. My dad was in the forces so no, I think it’s not nice.”
Brenda Fisher thinks veterans would be mortified. “It’s just not right, it’s not right.”
Bill Cheeseman, a veteran from WWII, says that a lot of veterans don’t get out to bars anymore, but doesn’t seem to mind the advertisement. “If you don’t want to go, you don’t have to go.”
Others say that while the ad didn’t work on them, it might be just right for the right person.
No one from the bar was available for comment.
This isn’t the first time that Calgary businesses have stirred up controversy over ad campaigns on Remembrance Day.
Last year, a chain of liquor stores issued a series of flyers telling people to ‘remember’ to pick up a bottle of booze for the long weekend.
Graphics on the flyers included grassy fields dotted with bottles of beer and other liquor.
A Calgary bar planned a military-themed party on Remembrance Day, but soon changed it at the last minute due to public pressure.
