HKVA
President Report – Phil Doddridge
Greetings to all from New Richmond. The time sure flies. Yesterday we were complaining about the cold, and now, according to the weather gurus we are headed for the hottest summer yet.
WILLIE HICKIE, RRC
Annie Hickie recently sent a donation to the Bay Chaleur Military Museum and included a couple of photos of a tree planted in the cemetery where he is buried. The plaque accompanying the tree reads: “In memory of WILLIAM HICKIE and all Hong Kong Veterans”. I think that that is a generous thought and I personally thank Annie for it. I don’t have information as to the location of the cemetery, but the last address I have for him is Quispamsis, NB. Perhaps this should be investigated with a view to affixing a HK Disc to his tombstone.
GANDER
Emmie Flanagan, daughter of Andrew, HK Vet, and she is Mayor of the Council of Belledune, NB, are in the process of erecting a statue of our heroic dog. This is an ambitious project, one that I personally welcome as yet another salute to the memory of Hong Kong veterans. Emmie is keeping us informed of progress. I eagerly await the dedication ceremony and I plan to be there.
GASPA
There is a movie production studio named “Gaspa” just up the road from here that specializes in local events. The President, M. Jean Guenette, is in the process of making a film on Hong Kong veterans from Gaspesia. He has interviewed Bill MacWhirter, Paul Dallain, Paul Laflamme, Bob Barter, John Duguay and me. Filming will take place at a later date. The finished product will probably be released this fall.
I am late with this bit of info for the newsletter so I’ll terminate for now. I hope that Carol will forgive me. Be good to each other and May God Bless.
Philip