Commemoration 2015

Commemorating the 70^th anniversary of the end of the war

in the Far East.

Veterans Affairs Canada is graciously participating as a co-host

in the weekend’s activities.

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OTTAWA, ONTARIO

AUGUST 13 - 16, 2015

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COMMEMORATION – REGISTRATION FEE - $ 175

The commemoration will be held at the Westin Hotel, 11 Colonel By Drive. The Westin Hotel overlooks the Rideau Canal and is one of Ottawa’s most luxurious hotels.

Everyone must register to attend the commemoration – please complete the Registration and Dinner Choices form (PDF).

The 2015 fee for the convention is $175. This fee includes: Friday morning General Meeting; Friday afternoon Canadian War Museum entry fee and tea; Friday evening Dinner and Entertainment at the Dinner-Dance; Saturday two Commemorative Ceremonies, one at the Memorial Wall and one at the National War Memorial; Saturday evening Dinner and Entertainment at the Dinner-Gala; Sunday Farewell Continental Breakfast as well as entry to the Memorabilia Room and Hospitality Room Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

~ DEADLINE for REGISTRATION is ~~JULY 25,~~ July 31 2015 ~

~ DEADLINE for SPECIAL RATES at the WESTIN HOTEL is also JULY 25, 2015 ~

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Here are some of the events we are planning:

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Thursday ~

At the Westin Hotel:

Registration starting at 1:00pm - All registrants are asked to check-in and pick up their information package.
Commencing Thursday afternoon, the Hospitality Room and the Memorabilia Room will be available at various times throughout the commemoration weekend.

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Friday ~

At the Westin Hotel:

Registration starting at 9:00am - All registrants are asked to check-in and pick up their information package.
In the morning at 9:00am, the HKVCA will be holding their Annual General Meeting – all are invited.

In the afternoon, there will be a Canadian War Museum tour and tea.

In the evening, the Dinner-Dance will be held at the Westin Hotel. Entertainment will be provided by the band Assembly Required.

Assembly Required is a five-piece party band (each member sings and plays several instruments) that has been playing as a group since November 2006. The band has an enormous musical repertoire from the ‘50s to the new millennium. They perform popular music from many all-time favourite artists, such as: the Beatles, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Doobie Brothers, Eagles, Dwight Yokham and Linda Ronstadt.

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Saturday ~

In the morning, join us for two Memorial Ceremonies. The first one will be held at the Hong Kong Veterans Memorial site at the corner of Sussex Drive and King Edward Avenue at 9:00am and the second one will be held at the National War Memorial on Colonel By Drive at 11:00am.

After the ceremonies, the public will be invited to meet the veterans.
Arrangements have been made to hold the Dinner-Gala at the Westin Hotel. Entertainment will be provided by the Canadian Armed Forces Band during the dinner and by Assembly Required for the dance.

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Sunday ~

Join us in the morning between 8:00am to 11:00am for a Farewell Continental Breakfast, which will be held at the Westin.

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Notes:

A Medical Team (supplied by Veterans Affairs Canada) will provide full medical support to serve the veterans 24 hours a day at the hotel and at all scheduled events.
Bus Transportation to all scheduled events will be provided by Veterans Affairs Canada.
Included in the Information Package to be picked up at the Westin Hotel, will be Name Tags (to be used for all event entries), Dinner Choice Tickets and a Detailed Itinerary.
We are looking for Volunteers to help out at the commemoration (in many different capacities); if you are interested, please sign up on the attached Volunteers form and a committee member will contact you.

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Memorabilia Room

As per previous conventions, a room will be set aside for a Memorabilia Exhibit, where registrants as well as the general public can view historical artifacts relating to the veterans experiences.

If there are any veterans or family members interested in bringing their photograph albums, scrapbooks or binders for display purposes, you may do so “at your own risk”.

As soon as possible (with details and space requirements), please contact:

Ron McGuire - Telephone: (613) 724-3223

485 Hillcrest Avenue

Ottawa, ON K2A 2M8

Hotel Accommodation

One hundred rooms have been reserved at the Westin Hotel for our commemoration. The Westin Hotel is ideally located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, directly across from the National Arts Centre. The Westin Hotel is steps away from the National War Memorial, Rideau Canal, Ottawa Congress Centre, Parliament Buildings, Rideau Shopping Centre and the ByWard Market.

Following are the Special Commemoration Rates per night – these rates are valid for reservations made before July 25, 2015:

$149.00 – Single or Double Occupancy (plus tax)
$40.00 for each extra person sharing the room
Caregivers are expected to share the room with the Veteran except in special circumstances which are to be approved by Veterans Affairs Canada
When making your reservation, be sure to state the following code: Far East Commemoration

Two ways to book:
- Telephone the hotel at: 1-888-627-8528 or
- Book Online

Notes

There are a limited number of connecting rooms.
The Westin Hotel is wheelchair accessible.
If you are NOT able to keep your reservation, please contact the Westin Hotel, as room charges will be deducted from your credit card for cancellations without reasonable notice.

Website - www.thewestinottawa.com

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DRIVING DIRECTIONS to the WESTIN HOTEL (Google Map)

From Highway 417

Exit the 417 highway at Nicholas Street via exit 118

Nicholas Street becomes Waller Street

Turn left onto Daly Avenue

Turn right into “The Westin Ottawa” driveway, directly before Colonel By Drive

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NEED ASSISTANCE?

~ If you have any questions or comments or would like more information

about the Commemoration to be held in August 2015 – please contact:

Derrill Henderson

Telephone -

613-601-5033

Email -

derrill@sympatico.ca

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WHAT TO WEAR?

To provide some clarification about what the appropriate style of dress is for each occasion we have put together the following guide. We have also indicated at which events military medals should be worn. Of course, please remember there is no mandatory dress code and your presence is welcome and valued at all events.

Fri. Aug. 14	Annual General Meeting	Officers & Regional Directors – Blues & Greys General Members – Business Casual
Fri. Aug. 14	Dinner - Dance	Business Casual or as Desired Veterans - Medals
Sat. Aug. 15	Memorial Services	Officers & Regional Directors – Blues & Greys General Members – Business Casual Veterans - Medals
Sat. Aug. 15	Dinner - Gala	Formal Wear Veterans - Medals

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ACTIVITIES FOR “FREE TIME”

Guided Tours of the Parliament Buildings

Changing of the Guard Ceremony

Double Decker Bus Tours

Shopping

Casino

DRIVING DIRECTIONS to the WESTIN HOTEL (Google Map)

From Highway 417

Exit the 417 highway at Nicholas Street via exit 118

Nicholas Street becomes Waller Street

Turn left onto Daly Avenue

Turn right into “The Westin Ottawa” driveway, directly before Colonel By Drive

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NEED ASSISTANCE?