WASURERU-NAI |
Volume 8, Number 2 |
National NEWSLETTER - Web Edition |
September 2006 |
Upcoming Events
President Report - Carol Hadley
HKVA President Report – Phil Doddridge
Treasurer’s Report “Dues and Views”
In Memoriam
Membership Report
Youth
Remembering "C" Force and all Canadians in the War Against Japan
Region Reports
Book Corner
From Mike Babin:
Can you help?
Freedom Isn't Free
Reminder:
A little humour
Hold off there partner - Plan Now!!
To attend the National Convention August 15 to 19, 2007 – Calgary
Exciting events are being planned by Alberta/Saskatchewan Region Convention committees, who hope that many of the veterans, widows and regular members, will participate when attending the next Convention August 15 to 19, 2007
Book it on your calendar now and continue to look for updates on our website.
In the Interest of Economy...
If you wish to read this newsletter and the regional newsletters,
online, please
notify
us and let us know that you do not want to receive a newsletter
by mail.
A traditional wreath laying will be held at the cenotaph in Victoria in front of the Legislative Buildings at 2 PM on Sunday, December 24th.
October 21, 2006 at Holiday Inn Airport West in Winnipeg, MB – call Juliet Lafortune for detailed information at 1-204-338-3354.
September 8, 9, & 10, 2006 in Florenceville – for information
call Neil at 1-506-276-3638
Well retirement is wonderful – but where does the time go! The golf game is improving and the handicap is slowly going down as we enjoy a remarkably warm, dry summer. I hope the weather and holidays are giving you all the recuperation that you need.
Congratulations to Daniel Sakamoto, Treasurer for AB/SK region, grandson of HK vet Ralph MacLean, who was married June 24th. Best wishes Daniel, to you and your new wife from all of us.
Congratulations to Nancy Hamer Stahl for the wonderful book of memories that she has compiled of the student’s work that went to Hong Kong last year. This book contains the stories, poems, etc that the students created on a member of “C” Force. The original piece of the work lies in the time capsule outside of Sai Wan Cemetery. Nancy thanks all of the families and veterans that helped with pictures and information in completing the book.
Thank you to George MacDonell for sending me a copy of his book of remembrance of the trip with the Ontario students. It is truly a work of art. He created this book for his family as it contains some of his personal thoughts on the trip – thank you for sharing - well done George!
The National Executive has worked diligently to ensure our mission and goals fit our current efforts. With the comfort of our veterans, wives and widows in a stable environment, our focus has added another branch – education. This is reflected in our mission and goals which are also on the website, but for those who do not have access to a computer, I have included them here:
To educate all Canadians on the role of Canada's soldiers in the Battle of Hong Kong and on the effects of the internment of the battle’s survivors on both the soldiers and their families. We also assist in the support and welfare of Hong Kong veterans and their widows.
1. Maintaining regular, periodic personal contact with the Veterans and widows to establish the state of their well being,
2. Advocating on behalf of the Veterans and widows to Veterans Affairs Canada and other relevant agencies,
3. Promoting the study of the Battle of Hong Kong and its aftermath in schools across Canada,
4. Developing materials and training Association members to tell the Hong Kong story publicly,
5. Finding opportunities for and developing partnerships with other organizations which can further the aims of the Association,
6. Maintaining a web site for the use of Association members and others which provides a repository of information about the Battle, the incarceration of Canadians, activities of the Association and other information which would be useful to interested parties, and
7. Participating in memorial services commemorating Canada’s war veterans and laying of wreaths to the memory of the fallen.
So you can see that we have set some high, but attainable goals, for our members and ourselves. As you read the list, give it deep consideration and if one or more items grabs your interest – please contact your local region or national executive and become involved – the more the merrier. With new people involved, it brings new ideas and innovation to our work – and that’s a good thing.
Membership is very important for the continuation of any organization. We ask you to assist us with reaching out and letting others know of our existence. Visit our website (www.hkvca.ca) and read about the Association to be able to let others know what we strive to accomplish. So we encourage you to ask your family and friends to see if they are members and if not, hopefully they will consider a membership.
A membership in this Association ensures the lasting memory of the Canadians that were involved in the Battle of Hong Kong. Your Executive members across Canada are working towards educating our youth by having the curriculum that has been developed, used in our schools.
We hope to have better communication by using the newsletter as well as our website and the media to advertise events and meetings. These aids will keep our members informed of events and activities so that they may join in and share the commonality of the Hong Kong Family.
Committees in AB/SK, (Alberta/Saskatchewan) Region are busy planning our next Convention in 2007. Some information on the convention events are in the newsletter and we hope that everyone will consider attending. Mark your calendar for August 2007 and we will see you in Calgary.
The National Executive elections are upon us. The ‘Call for Nominations’ is in the newsletter, so please give great consideration for the offices that are open. The Association is only as effective as the members that you elect so make your selection carefully and if there are any questions please contact Ron McGuire, Elections Chair. We greatly appreciate having Ron McGuire, Derrill Henderson, Mitzi Ross and Sandi Cameron on the Election Committee.
To those who have suffered ill health – we hope for relief for you. For those who have suffered loss – we share your grief and wish you peace.
In closing, I will share this wonderful Irish blessing:
May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.
God bless!