Memories of Hong Kong
Event Timetable
Check out the list of events and timetable on the HKVCA site.
Plaque Dedication - Gunpowder Factory
This was the first official event of our trip, and it set the tone for those to come. You could not help but be moved by the scene as the veterans marched in to the tune of the bagpipes. The plaque was dedicated to all members of the Royal Rifles of Canada, commemorating the battle of Sai Wan Hill, the first engagement by Canadians in Hong Kong.
To close the ceremony, as she would do several times during our tour, Pat Turcotte's daughter Carole sang O'Canada. There was not a dry eye in the house.
Sai Wan Cemetery
For
us, the ceremonies at Sai Wan Cemetery generated the most emotion.
Our group joined the veterans and the Durham Remembers group
for three events at the cemetery. We were also joined by the Hong
Kong Canadian Scout Group and the cadets of the Hong Kong Adventure
Corps, each group about 100 strong. Last but not least, the choir
from the Canadian International School of Hong Kong sang as part of
the ceremony.
We cannot put into words the effect the Ceremony of Remembrance had on us. At that point we knew we had made the right decision to come to Hong Kong.
Canadian International School
Our group was invited to a BBQ by the Durham Remembers group at the Canadian International School. This would be the first time in several days where the students actually were able to eat a meal that was not Chinese! Apparently they appreciated the change. This event was an opportunity for the students to pay tribute to the veterans and to the teachers and organizers of their trip.
Our memory of this evening centres around the students' presentations. To hear these young people speak of their experiences, the effect on them of meeting the veterans, and their appreciation for all the work of their teachers, was gratifying to say the least. All we can say is if these students reflect the quality of tomorrow's leaders, then Canada's future is in good hands.
Plaque Dedication - Lawson's Bunker and Jardine's Lookout
For Anne and I, these plaque dedication ceremonies were our first opportunity to visit the actual battlefield where my Dad fought. It was a very strange feeling to be standing on this ground.
Talking with folks from Canadian Consulate, we found out that the preparation for placing these plaques had taken over five years of effort and negotiation.
These locations will form two of the eventual 10 stations composing a Battlefield walk. See our photo gallery for other images.
Wreath Laying - Stanley Military Cemetery
There
are markers for the 20 Canadians buried in Stanley Cemetery, and
tribute was paid to them and others by our veterans as part of this
simple, yet very moving ceremony. Flowers were placed by the
headstones by our veterans, and by selected HKVCA members as well.
Last Post and Reveille were played, and Carole Turcotte brought the ceremony to a close by singing O'Canada.
Veterans' Farewell Dinner
Since the six veterans were on a different travel schedule than our group, they would be leaving Hong Kong before us. On the evening before, our group was invited to join the veterans at the Verandah Restaurant, Repulse Bay. Once again, it was a memorable evening. We were privileged to be joined at our table by Gerry and Ev Gerrard, along with Ronald and Lucy Taylor (Royal Hong Kong Regiment, The Volunteers).
Both
Phil Doddridge and Pat Turcotte spoke to the attendees, and their
personal comments formed a fitting conclusion for our experiences
with our Hong Kong veterans.
Speeches
On a personal note, Anne and I managed to "liberate" a Year of the Veteran Banner that was on display, thanks to some helpful folks at the Canadian Consulate. We are holding it in trust, pending the move to its final home in the "C" Force Memorial, when built.