Monday, August 24, 2015

VJ Day Ceremonies – Ottawa, August 15, 2015



I attended two ceremonies in Ottawa to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Victory over Japan Day. The official Canadian Government event was held at the National War Memorial and had all the pomp and ceremony expected at such events.



At the Hong Kong Memorial Wall a small group of Hong Kong veterans, their families, and many members of the Hong Kong Veterans Commemorative Association (HKVCA) gathered to honour and pay tribute to the men of “C” Force.  It was at times solemn, at other times uplifting, and most of all a time to feel part of a close and special family. 



Veteran Phil Doddridge (RRC) spoke words of remembrance and RCCS veteran Gerry Gerrard laid a wreath. 




Gerry is the last surviving member of the Signal Corps unit that was part of the (often forgotten) Brigade Headquarters group.  It was great to see him again, having travelled all the way from Victoria, B.C. – still going strong at age 94!  

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