The 2007 merger of the Alberta/Saskatchewan and Manitoba regions into the Prairie Region brought new energy and dedication to keeping ‘C’ Force in the public memory.
With the help of Neil Bardal (son of Njall Bardal X31) the wall was originally planned to be located in the Field of Honour at the Brookside Cemetery in Winnipeg. At the 2007 Calgary convention the veterans asked that it be located in Ottawa. Then National President Carol Hadley took on this challenge. The wall was unveiled in Ottawa in 2009, and includes all members of ‘C’ Force including the nurses and Gander the mascot dog.
Barry Mitchell recounts: “Without a doubt, my biggest challenge and achievement was the creation of a memorial wall. We initially thought we had a $50,000 project — but when all was said and done, we needed, and raised, $500,000. There was no government money in that amount. It was private donations from citizens across the country that made it possible to bring this vision to life”.
In 2015, when a World War II commemorative coin series was announced, the region successfully approached the Canadian Mint to have the Hong Kong coin released in Winnipeg, featuring Hong Kong veterans. On September 29, 2016, the coin was released at the Manitoba Legislature. Veterans George Peterson (Winnipeg Grenadiers H6082) and Ralph MacLean (Royal Rifles of Canada E30382, Alberta President) attended alongside Ladena Hodgkinson Mabley (widow of John Hodgkinson H6730), Ann Richardson (widow of Douglas Moore H6371), and Myrtle Lytle (widow of Robert Lytle H6351). Reverend Paul Lampman officiated, and many family members were present for the occasion.
Pam Heinrichs (daughter of Ferdinand Poitras H6359) has led the Indigenous Project, which identifies Métis and First Nations members of ‘C’ Force and initiates contact with their families who may not even be aware of their relative's involvement in the war. This work has resulted in meaningful inclusion at both HKVCA and Indigenous events.
Prairie region participation in the national committee for the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Hong Kong in 2025 included Kathie Carlson (daughter of Leonard Corrigan X40) as Chair, Pam Heinrichs, and Stephanie Mitchell (granddaughter of Vaughan Mitchell X62) who created promotional materials.
Prairie region activities include monthly luncheon meetings (with video connection for those outside of Winnipeg), VJ Day ceremonies and reception, posting the HK flag at the Memorial Park cenotaph in Winnipeg each August, participation in Remembrance Day ceremonies, plaque installations in regional public spaces (including ANAVETS and Legion clubs, churches, and community buildings), locating unmarked graves for the Last Post Fund, placing displays in civic spaces such as the City of Winnipeg Mayor's Office, and other commemorative activities.
The former Alberta/Saskatchewan regional members still meet in Calgary on Remembrance Day, attend the service and have lunch together afterwards.
Prairie Region is proud of their contribution to the Hong Kong Veterans Commemorative Association.
‘We will remember them’.
Prepared with contributions from Kathie Carlson, Norma Fuchs, Carol Hadley, Barry Mitchell, and others.
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