President Report - Derrill Henderson
The Chinese proverb “May you live in interesting times” was meant as a polite means of wishing someone bad times, but in our case, we are indeed living in “interesting times” - from a very positive position. Our main focus as an association is the Memorial Wall, and as Carol Hadley, our Project Leader has stated elsewhere, the very thought of this dream becoming a reality has everyone very excited. Throughout our nation, this is in the minds and on the lips of all our members. The energy we have derived from this is pushing all to do their utmost to help the project along. As the famous Ford commercial said - “This is Job 1".
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The approval for this project comes at an interesting time in Canadian history as well. We all thank our present day military for stepping into the breach to assist others through force when necessary, but also with compassion. The brave men and women are a main reason so many want to immigrate to Canada. The world sees the best of Canada in the actions of these heroes. As a Canadian I am proud to say, “It was ever so!”
As Canadians we can only show our support in limited ways. Say “Thank you” to each soldier (Air Force & Navy included) you meet. Take every opportunity to stand and pay your respect when the cortège of one fallen in battle goes by. Support the widows and children. Wave a Canadian flag!
Two recent media articles, one written by an Australian and another by a Brit, lash out at the nations of the worlds for condemning our military actions or what they perceive to be a lack of them. These two articles highlight all our accomplishments and they challenge any other nation to put their record against Canada. For so few people, we have accomplished so much.
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In the fall of 2007, a nation wide survey was conducted to see if, and how much, Canadians appreciate veterans’ sacrifices. Eight in ten Canadians said they are proud of Canada’s military and the role they played in world conflicts of the past and what they are doing today. In Quebec, often erroneously condemned for a negative view on our military, more than 70% stated they were proud of Canada’s military. Over 80% of Canadians wear poppies. The problem with Canadians is that they don’t know very much of Canada’s war history. This is where our Association must take a leading role. I am proud to say that our Ontario Region has created the educational model for all to follow. By educating Canada’s youth on what we know best - the Battle of Hong Kong and the Far East POW experience, we may well spur others to promote a wider base knowledge.
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Veteran’s Issues: The Lawsuit brought against the government by families of veterans because they felt that the government did not handle the funds of veterans hospitalized for shell-shock and/or schizophrenic conditions, has been dismissed by the Supreme Court. If successful, it would have seen millions of dollars paid to “thousands of distant relatives and perhaps even creditors” of these veterans. My question is: “Where were they when the veterans needed them?” Lawyers for the veteran’s families are deciding whether anything can be “salvaged”. There is a possibility of payment to veterans still alive or later to their widows, but the buck should stop there.
The new pension rates have been published. Anyone with questions may contact their local VAC office, or contact me if this is more ‘comfortable’ for them.
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On a more personal note, I continue to represent our Association at every opportunity. I attend a minimum of three events a month. I receive many questions from those doing research or just having an interest in what our veterans experienced in Hong Kong and Japan. When I have the information, I answer them, but mostly I put them in contract with the HK vet best suited to answer their queries. For the most part, they are envious of the dedication and camaraderie of our Association. You are the ones that make this possible. Thank you.
Email: Derrill Henderson