In This Issue
In Memory of Cliff Chadderton
As the heading of the newsletter announces, we are saddened to advise you that Cliff Chadderton passed away on November 30, 2013. In his lifetime he championed many veteran causes including the Hong Kong Veterans. He became the Patron of the HKVA through his efforts to get compensation for our veterans by taking their story to the United Nations where six allied countries supported his efforts as well as the Human Rights community in Geneva. Due to the worldwide coverage of the treatment to our veterans, in 1998 the Canadian government granted compensation of $24,000 to each surviving Far East PoW or to their widow for the forced labour that the Canadian servicemen endured while prisoners of the Japanese during the Second World War.
If anyone wishes more detail on this you can order Canada's Hong Kong Veterans: The Compensation Story through the War Amps website http://www.waramps.ca/MilitaryHeritage2012.aspx?id=3712&terms=hong+kong+veterans. ** RE: the Memorial Wall corrections - we received three proposals from the company who agreed to do the work on the Wall. The most expensive one was accepted by the National Capitol Commission/Canadian Heritage committee that oversees the work. So we have been applying for grants to increase our funds to pay for the corrections. We are getting favourable comments and hope to be able to move on this when the weather is warmer. ** There were many great things that happened at the National Convention in August but I would like to mention 2 at this time. - A big thank you to Alan Sandeman, husband of Mitzi Ross who composed this song in memory of Lance Ross https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/never-grow-old-single/id734081969 - Also on YouTube is the song I'll never say Goodbye Again song that was written by Private Elmer McKnight Canadian Prisoner in Japan and was sung by Paul Figsby in August. Just search the song title and listen. ** It was wonderful to see the Hong Kong story featured on the History Channel in ``Prisoners of the Sun`` during November with our veterans like Ralph MacLean interviewed.Please note the important Special Meeting that will be done through the mail or email (see the last page of this newsletter for details and a ballot). These changes to our Bylaws are necessary as a result of the enactment of the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (“CNCA”) and if we don’t comply we will cease to exist as a corporation. Please enjoy a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy, Prosperous New Year with family and friends. Always count your blessings as there are many who have none. All the best from my family to yours. Carol |
HKVCA
President Carol Hadley