Region Reports

Across the Nation

Reports from the Regions
BC Banter
Prairie Prose
Ontario Offerings
Quebec Quotes
Eastern Breezes

BC Banter ….

Submitted by your BC Region Executive: Lee, Bev, Graeme and Murray.

Lee and I had a difficult decision to make this year regarding representing the HKVCA by setting up and attending our audio/visual education display during Veterans’ Week at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria on Vancouver Island. Although there is no question that this opportunity provides us with the optimal opportunity to tell the story of ‘C’ Force to a vast audience, funding is an issue. The expenses for ferries to Vancouver Island, fuel and lodging in order for us to attend this important venue, places a huge burden on the limited financial resources of our region.

Unfortunately, our personal schedules would not allow us to travel together to save costs. Therefore, I stayed in the Lower Mainland and Lee travelled to Victoria with our display accompanied by his wife Sherry. Lee set up our display at the Museum and was kept very busy for the next few days conversing with hundreds of students and the general public. Lee would like to express his gratitude to his wife Sherry for her assistance and a very special thanks to Gwen Day (daughter of Major Bertram Gilbert, RRC) for all her help and support. Gwen lives in Mill Bay on Vancouver Island and is always there for us. Thank you also to our Vancouver Island members who attended.

Lee writes, “The time spent at our display at the RBCM was overwhelming with the constant interaction taking place with students and the general public. This is our region’s most expensive event of the year except for our two luncheons. However, it is the most productive in regards to networking. I met with the families of veterans from both Canada and Britain. Fiona Hyslop is the daughter of the late Dr. Anderson of the British Royal Army Medical Corps. He was a surgeon at the Bowman Road Hospital in Hong Kong in 1941. Dr. Anderson witnessed Kanao Inouye (The Kamloops Kid) at the War Crimes Tribunal following WWII. Fiona sent me copies of information related to the Kamloops Kid which Graeme Stacey and I are adding to a new history document we are creating for classroom use and which we will present at the ALPHA Symposium on December 6 and 7 in Vancouver.

A friend of the son of Walter Jenkins (RCCS deceased) spoke with me. Little did he know that Walter Jenkins and his wife were very close friends of my father and mother. He is sending me a written copy of an interview Walter gave many years ago”.

I was talking to Lee on the phone and he told me about a group of Japanese students who filed attentively through the display. They had no idea about this piece of their country’s history and were both amazed and embarrassed. They vowed upon their return to Japan to ask questions and make others aware.

On the Saturday night of the event, Linda Quesnel (past BC Regional Director) and her husband Ron, invited Gerry Gerrard (RCCS), and Lee and Sherry to their home for a wonderful roast beef dinner.

On November 28, Lee once again packed up our display and education materials and travelled from his home in Hope at the eastern end of the Fraser Valley to St. Margaret’s School in Victoria on Vancouver Island. During the afternoon he gave 2 separate lectures (2.5 hours in total) to grade 11 students. Foreign students from Hong Kong, Japan, China and Korea were also in attendance. This would have been an incredibly long day for Lee as travel time would have been at least 10 hours. Knowing that expenses for the month of November have placed a strain on our region’s finances, Lee unselfishly paid for the fuel and ferry costs out of his own pocket.

Lee and Graeme Stacey have accepted an invitation to lecture to high school students in Vernon, BC. Lee and Graeme attended the ALPHA Symposium in Vancouver on December 6 and 7 where they set up our education display and lectured to students. All of these events provide invaluable opportunities for the HKVCA educators from our region to support our number one mandate of educating students and the public. Lee and Graeme are tireless in this regard and continue to establish new material from the internal and external contacts they make at these events. We are extremely grateful for their commitment to tell the story of ‘C’ Force.

It is extremely important for us to find sources of funding to assist with the travel expenses related to education. Our educators cannot be expected to absorb these costs on fixed incomes.

I have heard from many of our HKVCA members who placed wreaths throughout our province on Remembrance Day. For the second year, Phil Mondor (son of the late Paul Emile Mondor HQ) laid a wreath at the Victory Square Cenotaph in Vancouver. Bill Muir (WG), accompanied by his 3 grandsons, laid a wreath at the cenotaph in Langley. Sylvia Wiebe (daughter of the late Elmer Wiebe, WG) laid a wreath in Fort Nelson under very cold and snowy conditions. Gerry Gerrard (RCCS), Linda Quesnel (daughter of the late Cliff Carpenter, WG) and Lee Naylor (son of the late Howard Naylor Sr., RCCS) accompanied by family members laid a wreath at the Legislative Buildings in Victoria. Don Muir (son of Bill Muir, WG) accompanied by family members laid a wreath in Armstrong. My wife Lucy Doull and I laid a wreath in Vedder Crossing. Unfortunately my father (Bill Doull, RRC who turned 93 on Nov. 25) and my mother were unable to attend due to health reasons. I know that other wreaths were laid but I have not been contacted about them yet. I have attached photos for our web edition of Bill Muir and his grandsons in Langley and Sylvia Wiebe in Fort Nelson. Thank you very much to our members for remembering our HK vets.

Prior to Veterans’ Week Lee and I were contacted by a Chinese news agency based in Hong Kong to assist them with a documentary they wish to make about ‘C’ Force. We suggested they come to Victoria to do their filming and interviews at the Royal BC Museum. Unfortunately they were unable to mobilize on such short notice and said they will get back to us in the near future to make the necessary arrangements.

Also, the Chinese newspaper Sing Tao contacted us for information. Lee writes “When packing our vehicle with our display and equipment, I received a telephone call from the Sing Tao newspaper asking for information about ‘C’ Force. Due to a large file I had to locate and send to different addresses, we missed our ferry to Victoria to attend the RBCM and had to wait for two hours at the terminal for the next ferry”.

Merry Christmas to everyone from beautiful BC and best wishes to all for peace, health and happiness in the New Year.

Prairie Prose

It is that time of year when we get busy and forget or put on the back burner, some very important things. For me it was getting the newsletter to Carol on time, but again she gets it late.

I would like to welcome Alberta and Saskatchewan members who have merged with the Manitoba and we are now called the Prairie Region.

We are all looking forward to a busy year ahead with the 2013 National Convention in Winnipeg. The Committee is doing a great job with Marlene and Dennis Bell as Chairs as they coordinate events for the Convention in August 2013. Watch your mail for the information packages or check on the HKVCA web site www.hkvca.ca.

The October reunion went very well with 67 people in attendance and one Veteran, George Peterson. We had several widows and families – Myrtle Lytle; Ann Richardson; Ladena Mabeley; and Helen Prieston.

Carol Hadley was presented with the Queen Diamond Jubilee Medal by Joyce Bateman, MP for Winnipeg South Centre.

Armand Lavallee President of the Joint Veterans Association also received the Queen Diamond Jubilee Medal by Joyce Bateman, MP.

Thank you to Charlee’s Restaurant and the serving staff for the buffet; to Maureen Cullens (Bartender); Marlene Bell, Ann Richardson, Constance Mitchell and Bridget MacDougall. A big THANKS to the Colour Party.

Please have a safe and Happy Holiday and may you all be blessed with a prosperous New Year. Stay in touch with us - Prairie Region Director, Juliet Lafortune phone 204-338-3354 or cell 204-294-9335.

Editor:

September 26, 2012 – Juliet Lafortune received the Minister of Veteran Affairs Commendation award for her work with HK veterans and widows.

October 19, 2012 - Dennis Bell and Patricia Bale attended the Special Area Group for Education (SAGE) that is hosted by Manitoba Social Science Teachers Association (MSSTA) in October. While Dennis gave the presentation to four History teachers in the classroom, Patricia Bale looked after the display. Dennis had a sign-up sheet for copies of the HKVCA Presentation CD as the extra copies did not arrive from Mike Babin in time for the Conference. Six teachers signed up to receive the CD's when they came in. He mailed two copies to teachers outside of Winnipeg, and e-mailed three others to make arrangement to deliver their copies. The last teacher on the list is the one that asked if Dennis could give the presentation to her class. After giving the talk, Dennis left her a copy of the CD.

There were about 25 students in her class (she is the only history teacher in this smaller high school, and they were very well behaved. Quite a few asked questions at the end, and one 16 year old boy even came up as they were leaving, shook his hand and asked him to tell his father what a hero he was. Although, of course that should be meant for all of C Force! Dennis handed out the Gander and Nursing sister bookmarks, and took along 5 Battle of Hong Kong books (No Reason Why, Hell on Earth, The Damned, and one other one) for them to look at, as well as his large B&W copy of the Grenadiers getting ready to board the train for Vancouver.

As you can see, the teacher, Sharon St. Marie was very pleased to have someone actually come to do the presentation, and her kind words toward members of C Force (and the sacrifices they made), says it all! As Dennis covered much about the Human Rights aspect, there was not time to play any of the veterans' interviews, so he told her it would be a good idea to go over that with her class in another session. They all seemed excited to study more about the battle, etc. in upcoming classes.

October 26, 2012 Eric Bardal unveiled the Winnipeg Grenadiers Colours. Maj. Gen. Dennis Tabbernor arranged for the Colours to come from the Winnipeg Rifles Museum to be on loan and part of the tribute that is over the fire place in honour of Lt Njall Bardal and “C Force” at Bardals at 3030 Notre Dame Ave in Winnipeg. For more of the story please use this link - http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/metro/Grenadier-colours-find-a-home-177494341.html.

November 11, 2012 – Wreaths were laid across Manitoba: Juliet at the Convention Centre; Myrtle Lytle at Charleswood Legion service; Helen Prieston in Swan River and many others.

News from Alberta - Norma Fuchs

It is that time of year again when we are all reminded of the sacrifices of our Veterans from years ago right up today. Our Hong Kong veterans were well remembered on November 11th. The family of John McGee and Leona Kashton and her daughter laid wreaths in Edmonton. In Calgary Ralph Maclean invited me and my grandson, Ian to join him in the service that was held at the Jubilee Auditorium. Gary and Karen Boland, friends of Gordon Durrant, attended the service at the Calgary Military Museums and laid the wreath there. Brice Batch, grandson of Jack Smith, volunteered to honor our Veterans at the Downtown Cenotaph. After the services were over, we all met for lunch and a time of remembrance. I am sure there were members from all over Alberta and Saskatchewan who attended services in their areas.

Just a reminder to all the members of the former AB/SK Region, we now send our membership dues to Barry Mitchell in Winnipeg. Thank you Barry for the letter that you sent to all of us last week.

Wishing you all the best of the season and Happy New Year!

Ontario Offerings….

Hello from Mitzi Ross of the North East Region;

Regional Luncheons:

The North East Region held a luncheon in April, another in October and will be holding a third on December 8th following our Memorial Service. Our luncheons are held at a variety of restaurants in the Ottawa area and we usually gather at my home afterward to chat and to look over the memorabilia provided by our attendees and in particular the extensive collection provided by Ron McGuire.

Remembrance Day Ceremonies:

On November 11, 2012, we were responsible for the laying of wreaths at several regional locations. Derrill Henderson laid the wreath downtown at the War Memorial service, Pam Grimshaw laid the wreath at Centrepoint service, Jo-Anne & Sarah Scaffidi laid a wreath at the Kanata service while Ted Terry, his daughter and his granddaughter, three generations of the Terry clan, laid wreaths in the west end at Carlingwood and Westboro services.

Diamond Jubilee Medals:

Veteran Eric Maloney received the prestigious Diamond Jubilee medal. The ceremony, held in Eric's home, was arranged by Ron McGuire through Eric's dedicated long term caregiver Jim Mirowski. The event was attended by Sandi Cameron, Connie McGuire, Mitzi Ross and Alan Sandeman. Jim provided a wonderful buffet lunch and Eric later said the medal presentation was the 'highlight of his year'. The other surviving north eastern region veteran, Doug Kerr, was also presented with the Diamond Jubilee medal. The presentation was done at Mr. Kerr's present residence, the Rideau Veterans Home. North East Region's Derrill Henderson and Ron McGuire were also Diamond Jubilee medal recipients.

Veterans and Widows update:

Eric Maloney (RRC) had heart surgery this summer and came through it with flying colours. He is doing very well except for severe pain in his knee. Unfortunately we must report the November 23rd passing of Widow Beryl Kaine, following a short illness.

Upcoming Memorial Ceremony:

The Region has organized a ceremony to take place at the Memorial Wall on Sussex Drive at 11:00 am on December 8th commemorating the beginning of the Battle of Hong Kong on December 8, 1941. There will be wreath laying by Dempsey Syvret on behalf of the Hong Kong Veterans, by Mitzi Ross for the Hong Kong Veterans Commemorative Association, by Senator Vernon White for the Government of Canada, by a VAC representative for Veterans Affairs Canada, by Operation Legacy members for the War Amps Operation Legacy and Canada’s Youth along with wreaths placed by family members on behalf of several Hong Kong Veterans. The service will be followed by a luncheon at the Lord Elgin Hotel Restaurant “Grill 41” and then we will gather back at my home to examine items from Ron McGuire’s excellent memorabilia collection and continue to socialize.

In closing I would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy Christmas season and all the best in 2013.

Hello from Ron McGuire,

I attended a number of events during September to November at which I publicized the HK Veterans story, the Memorial Wall, Vince Lopata's latest and proposed books and tried to obtain new members for the HKVCA.

One of my major efforts was having a larger exhibit at the National Aviation Museum's second annual Remembrance Week "Passion of Collecting" and helping to organize the collectors' participation portion. I had five tables and three easels concerning Canadians in the RFC, FAR, CAF and RCAF up to "unification". I had another three tables and a backdrop concerning Canadians in the Pacific campaign, focusing of course, on "C" Force. I arranged to have four new exhibitors with very interesting displays which greatly improved the event over last year. There was always a steady flow of people inspecting all the tables and asking questions. Needless to say I have been asked to do it again next year.

My 2011 Remembrance Month exhibit in the Nepean Museum concerning our Veterans will continue on display until spring 2013. I also provided artifacts for their War of 1812 exhibit.

The first of my six part article giving an overview of our Veterans story has been published. This and subsequent installments may be seen on the Wayback Times website:

http://www.waybacktimes.com/hongkong103.html.

Connie and I send our best wishes to everyone for a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

Greetings from Pam Newhouse, West Central Area Rep;

Our first day of snow here Niagara way. It won't last because tomorrow is supposed to be 7 degrees. That's so typical of this time of year.

As most of you know by now, Ken Pifher, my father, flew to Hong Kong to participate in the Remembrance Day Ceremony at Sai Wan Cemetery attended by Prime Minister Harper. Our adventure got started when Derrill Henderson called the evening of Nov. 6th asking if dad was willing to go to Hong Kong at short notice if it could be arranged. I assume that because the PM was going to be there it was thought that it would be fitting to have an actual Hong Kong veteran in attendance if possible.

Typical of dad he told Derrill, “Sure, I'll go." The next morning we got a phone call from Veterans Affairs confirming that it was a go. What a scramble to get ready with one day's notice but we did it and we were off to Hong Kong early on the 9th. Thank heavens both our passports were up to date! Those "pods" in first class are definitely the way to travel on a 15 hour flight!

When we landed in Hong Kong we were met by a wonderful escort from the Canadian Consulate, Sylvie, who accompanied us to our hotel, the Conrad, where we stayed last year along with Gerry Gerrard and George Peterson, for the formal apology from the Japanese government. We were met at the Conrad by the Canadian Consul General, Ian Burchette and Vice Consul Rupert Cao. They went over with dad what to expect at the ceremony, schedule of events and protocol. They were very thorough and extremely helpful, pleasant and professional without being stiff, which helped dad relax. Dad had agreed in advance to say the "Act of Remembrance" and lay a wreath.

After relaxing on Saturday, Sunday arrived with the ceremony scheduled to start at 3:00. Rupert arrived to escort us to Sai Wan Cemetery where we arrived an hour ahead. Rupert accompanied me down the many steps to wait at the bottom with the film crew, while dad stayed at the top to wait the arrival of Prime Minister Harper and be interviewed and photographed by the press.

All other members of the public were asked to proceed down the steps by the security detail, RCMP, according to Rupert, in regular suits. You could pick them out by the coiled wires in their ears just like in the movies! They even had a lookout perched on one of the local high rises, so high up you could hardly see him. The PM was a little late arriving so the actual ceremony started about 3:15 with the Scottish piper leading the way down the steps. Directly behind him were dad and PM Harper side by side, accompanied by Laureen Harper and several other dignitaries.

Dad was nervous about a misstep due to the sometimes uneven steps but navigated them with no problem. I was so proud to see dad walking in the procession down the steps next to the PM resplendent in his navy blazer and medals! The VIPs and dignitaries were seated for the ceremony but I had a great view standing by the film crew about 25 feet away from them, right in front of the cenotaph, a perfect vantage point.

As the ceremony progressed, dad rose and said the Act of Remembrance flawlessly and had no problem laying the wreath for which he was greatly relieved. Of course, PM Harper and Laureen laid the first, biggest wreath, and the PM made a short speech as well. Comic relief was provided by a little boy about 4 who just couldn't sit still, even though his brother was trying to control him and a teacher approached him twice to quiet him. When it came time for the boys to lay one of the wreaths representing their school, the older brother literally pulled and pushed the younger wherever they were supposed to go! I heard people near me giggling at the pair. When they returned to their seats, Mrs. Harper gave them a big "thumbs up". I could tell she was amused by them because I saw her watching them and smiling.

Fortunately, the weather cooperated with a nice breeze and some cloud cover for protection from the hot sun. The same children's choir and local Boy Scout troop that have been involved in past ceremonies were there once again, their youth adding a touching addition to the ceremony. The ceremony lasted about 50 minutes. Afterwards, everyone dispersed when Mr and Mrs Harper made their way back up the steps. It was definitely an event that I feel privileged to have witnessed, made even more memorable because my own father was involved!

Before the ceremony started dad presented PM Harper with a memento he received while in Sham Shui Po camp. It was a simple card with the official seal of Canada at the top that stated, “All Canada joins you In Warmest Christmas Greetings and Good Wishes to You". It was dated 1943 and signed by PM Mackenzie King. Dad thought it was a token that PM Harper would appreciate because it had the signature of a former PM. The PM didn't open it to read at that time, he just put it in his pocket and said he'd look at it later. Well, he obviously thought it was pretty special because PM Harper personally called dad yesterday at home and spoke with him about it. During the conversation with dad the PM mentioned that it's too important to remain with him, but that it belongs in the National War Museum in Ottawa where he said it will be placed in dad's name!

How many people get a call from their Prime Minister? And I thought it would be a nice gesture on Stephen Harper's part just to have his assistant send dad a little thank you note acknowledging the card but wasn't really expecting that he’d receive anything!

Report by Pat Turcotte, Chair, Education Committee, Ontario Region

On Nov.6th, the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Region’s Education Committee took part in the Parliamentary Library’s Resource Fair at the Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa. Ian Doull assumed responsibility this year for preparations for the Resource Fair, meeting with Ted Terry and Ann Hyland in early October to discuss details.

Last year our 3 banners were sent from Toronto to Ottawa for two events, Derrill’s Veterans’ Week event on Nov. 1st and the Resource Fair itself. This year it was realized that the expense involved in shipping the banners back and forth made it important to consider buying a second set of banners. One of our HKVCA members offered to contribute to the cause, and with the Ontario Region assisting, the purchase was made, adding considerably to the success of the two events.

At the Resource Fair, Ian and Ted connected with a majority of the 87 teachers specially chosen from across the country to have access to the various resources on display. Our thanks to HKVCA members Gail Angel and Jo-Anne Scaffidi who assisted Ian and Ted at Veterans’ Week.

On Nov. 8th, The Toronto District School Board’s Curriculum Leaders in History were to have a PD Day in Toronto at the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education (OISE). We were asked to be involved, and Bud and Ruth Mann had agreed to assist in setting up a display table.

Mike Babin and Linda Guglick and I had spent several hours preparing the special red folders containing samples of the Writing Contest, our CD-ROMs and other important items. These were to be given to the 100 Curriculum Leaders from the Toronto Board expected to attend. Unfortunately, just a few days before the event was to take place, we were informed that due to the labour strife being experienced at the Toronto Board the event would be postponed until those labour problems were solved. The event has yet to be rescheduled.

On Friday, Nov. 23rd & Saturday, Nov. 24th, the Ontario History and Social Science Teachers’ Conference (OHASSTA) was held at the White Oaks Resort and Spa at Niagara-on-the-Lake. This was a departure from other years because of the fact that the War of 1812 was to be a major focus of the event.

HKVCA’s display was presented by three sisters who are members. They are daughters of Augustin Cyr, RRC. Jackie Le Drew came down from Sudbury, Sandra Strom from near Barrie and Linda Guglick from Mississauga. They were among the organizations invited to set up their display table at White Oaks on the Thursday evening before the event.

Linda and I had spent several hours in the days prior the event preparing the red folders to be given out, and boxing the materials to be displayed for the 200 attendees expected. The participants included not only teachers, University students, and student teachers, but guests from Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and representatives from Veterans Affairs Canada. The event was certainly worthwhile, and we congratulate Linda, Sandra and Jackie for their efforts on HKVCA’s behalf.

HKVCA Cross Canada Writing Contest – Portraits of Valour: All 9 provinces and 3 territories have been contacted by e-mail relative to having students participate in the Contest. At least 450 contacts have been made.

All Judges for Junior and Senior English sections have been chosen. We are still looking for an HKVCA member to consider acting as one of the judges on the French side. There will definitely be a number of francophone entries. Contact Pat Turcotte at petsask@sympatico.ca if you are interested.

Linda Guglick has agreed once again to look after the participants’ entries received by Regular mail. Pat will be looking after the entries received by E-mail. There are still lots of time to encourage teachers and students to be involved in the Writing Contest as the deadline is Friday, May 24, 2013.

Resolution passed by the Richmond Hill Town Council:

On October 22nd, Councillor Godwin Chan, Ward 6, of the Richmond Hill Town Council, presented a resolution recognizing the importance of the efforts of the Canadian soldiers who fought in the Battle of Hong Kong. This resolution is among the first passed by a Town Council delineating the various ways in which our soldiers contributed to the history of Canada’s participation in World War II’s Pacific Theatre. Our congratulations to Councillor Chan. His Resolution marks a milestone in Civic government and it is to be hoped that other City Councils will follow suit. Because of his efforts, the Hong Kong Veterans are now to be officially recognized by the Royal Canadian Legion at the Remembrance Day ceremony which they host every year in Richmond Hill. There will be a special mention in the ceremony itself, and a plaque will be permanently installed at the site.

Nov. 11, 2012: Ken Pifher, and Remembrance Day with the Prime Minister Special congratulations to Ken Pifher who represented HKVCA so well at Sai Wan Cemetery in Hong Kong on Remembrance Day. Be sure to see Area Rep. Pam Newhouse’s report in this Newsletter providing some of the details.

Many thanks to all who have assisted as members of the Education Committee this year. May they and all of our HKVCA members have a wonderful Christmas Season!

Quebec Quotes ….

- Lucette Mailloux Muir, Regional Director

Greetings from Quebec on this cold, sunny day in Granby.

After a wonderful summer and great fall, we are ready to take on the cold, snowy days of winter.

2012 has been a busy year for all of the Hong Kong Family. The Queen’s Jubilee Awards Presentations were the events this year as all of our Hong Kong Veterans and many Members received the precious award.

Since our last report, we were busy with executive meetings, planning and attending many activities for Veterans’ Week and Commemorative Ceremonies. Again this year, yours truly, deposited a wreath in memory of all Hong Kong Veterans during our local Ceremony as many of our Members also did in their local area.

Quebec recently lost a HK Veteran Paul Laflamme, a Widow Rita Bujold, great pillars of the HKVA and a Regular Member Desmond Irving son of Morton Irving RRC.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM!

Veterans and Widows were contacted and are doing well at this time.

Many members will be taking part in remembrance Ceremonies on December 8th for our Hong Kong Veterans. We will never forget!

That will be it at this time and more news to come in the next edition.

The Festive Season is fast upon us. Do take care and do not abuse good things but enjoy and be extra careful if you are travelling during the Holidays.

To You and Yours “Best Wishes for a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and all the best for 2013” from all of us here in Quebec Region

Eastern Breezes…

- Emmie Flanagan, Regional Director

Greetings to all from Eastern Canada, where our lawns are still green… and no sign of snow yet. Ah, but we will have a White Christmas... we always do… and then winter won’t leave us until May!

I am pleased to say that, as a result of our annual reunion held in Belledune (Sept. 2012), we were able to gather up 26 new members – we’re still waiting for 10, who have yet to pay toward membership.

During the Remembrance Day Ceremony held in Belledune, a wreath was placed for our soldiers who lost their lives either during the “Battle of Hong Kong”, or as POW’s.

It was a sad day on December 7th to learn of the passing of our Hong Kong Veteran, J. Graham Boudreau from Glen Levit, NB, loving husband to Antoinette (Toni), who is our Regional Treasurer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Toni and family during this difficult time.

We are working diligently on our ‘C’ Force Memorial Fundraiser and hearing good things from Industry and Municipalities who want to help us with our quest. Family and friends are suggesting they will give a donation to our fundraiser for Christmas, in lieu of a gift to a loved one, whereby they will receive an official tax receipt from HKVCA if the value is over $20. Small amounts given to our project will make for extraordinary contributions in the end.

May you all enjoy this festive season with the presents of family and friends.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!