HKVA
President Report – Phil Doddridge
I would like to start by thanking Carol for her dedication in putting this newsletter together. Having written a similar letter for the Quebec-Maritimes Branch for several years, I have some idea of what it takes to meet deadlines with items of concern to the readers. Bravo, Carol.
GANDER
I have added to my growing library of “Hong Kong” books with the purchase of “Sergeant Gander, a Canadian Hero”. It is interesting if only a rehash of events that led up to his heroic deed and finally to the awarding of the Dicken Medal. I love the story as I loved the huge Newfoundland dog. It has caused me to reflect on CSM Osborn VC, who was entirely conscious of the result of his valorous deed, while those of Gander, laudable as they may be, his dog’s mind may not have foreseen the result. We will never know, and we accept it as it is.
GRAVESTONE DISCS
Lori Atkinson Smith has accepted the responsibility of spearheading this project, and to date she has made significant progress. She has enlisted the aid of Hong Kong friends far and wide. It is a huge undertaking, given that many of our veterans are buried in many parts of Canada, and some, no doubt, in unmarked graves. Lori and Doug visited me in New Richmond. They have a good idea of what is needed. I have every confidence that many graves will be marked that otherwise would have been forgotten.
AND FINALLY
If I may close on a personal note, Wife Edwina is in hospital again. In spite of receiving the pneumonia injection in 2005, she contracted the disease. She has been in hospital care for the past two weeks. She has lost the use of her legs, and even though she receives therapy there doesn’t seem to be much improvement. It keeps me busy running to see her and taking items of comfort to her every day. We live in hope.
That will be all for now. Be good to each other and may God Bless.
Philip