President Report - Derrill Henderson
To
paraphrase an old song from years back, “Wasn’t that a weekend?” The
dedication of the Memorial Wall had a greater impact on me than I expected.
There was the huge emotional output from all those that attended. There was
the expression of “it is a reality, it finally happened” from the veterans.
There was the pride from each and everyone that had played a role, however
how small, that we did it!
I am writing this from our family cottage in the Eastern Townships. A cottage built by my father 45 years ago. A cottage that had Bill Doull as a neighbour just down the road and his brother Lloyd just across the lake. Wells Bishop had a property on the road leading to the lake. The spirit of HK veterans exudes from the area. I cannot drive anywhere without seeing the onetime home of a HK vet. After the experience of the August 15th weekend, the importance of what was accomplished is intensely driven home with everything I experience.
On behalf of us all, I must thank the project team: Carol Hadley, the driving dynamo behind it; Phil Doddridge, our mentor; Barry Mitchell, Murray Doull, Ron McGuire, and Randy Wing, who became our site Project Manager. It has been a couple of years filled with the range of emotions from fear to sublime enjoyment. The War Amps agreed to produce a DVD of the ceremony and upon my return to Ottawa, I will be meeting with them to ensure a copy sent to every surviving HK veteran and to make certain that these will be available to others. The Veteran’s copies shall be free of charge, but as yet, I have no idea of the cost for others.
The Convention team of Mitzi Ross, Sandi Cameron, Ron McGuire, Ted Terry gave unselfishly of their time to ensure the weekend would be pleasurable. It is surprising how the expertise of people comes to the forefront under pressure. Mitzi, the supreme negotiator, handled all the contracts and the Hospitality room. Sandi, the “Organizer”, handled the Registration and the finances. Ron handled the Operations in the hotel, and Terry with the help of his capable wife, Ann, dealt with volunteers. A major role was played by our friends, Peter Mills and Terry Tobin from Veterans Affairs who financed the ceremony, weekend medical coverage, and transportation. Peter was our contact in the planning stage, then Terry took over on his return from medical leave and carried the ceremony off as he so expertly done so often in the past.
But enough of what has been accomplished. We now have the challenge ahead to complete the landscaping and to make the site an educational experience for all Canadians. This obviously will cost money. I am pleased to announce the Canadian Heritage has donated a considerable amount that will enable us to make huge and immediate strides to finishing the landscaping, but we must continue to raise funds. Your Board of Directors have recognized the need for an ongoing source of funds for the completion of this project and for the educational activities we as an association, must continue if we are to fulfil our mandate.
God bless you all. May we use the energy and momentum gained from the dedication to consider activities we should be undertaking; to encourage new people to become members; and to get involved to the limits of our time and talents within our respective Regions.
Email: Derrill Henderson