Special Projects

70th Anniversary Gala

70GALApsd

2015 marks 70 years since the end of the largest conflict in human history. 

To commemorate this milestone, our museum hosted a special gala on October 24, 2015. About 360 people attending and we used the occasion to say “thank you” to the few remaining Second World War veterans still with us. And the evening was also a chance to help families honour and remember those who have passed on.

The occasion was made all the more special by the presence of LGen (Ret’d) the Hon. Roméo Dallaire, who provided the audience with a moving keynote speech. We were also delighted that the Lt. Gov of British Columbia, the Honorable Judith Guichon joined us for the evening.

Dallaire-web-image

VIDEO: We started by playing a tribute video called “Faces to Remember” – a look at the faces of those who served but have passed on. Please click the image below to view the VIDEO.

Faces We Remember Video image

We then followed with an acknowledgement of the service of each of the 17 veterans in the room that evening. It was moving to see these men and women, all in their 90s, come out for this special tribute.

Army, SOE, Force 136

Army, SOE, Force 136

Army, Artillery. Served in Normandy and also in the liberation of Holland.

Army, Artillery. Served in Normandy and also in the liberation of Holland.

RCAF Bomber Command

RCAF Bomber Command

Navy

Navy

Royal Engineers, Indian Army

Royal Engineers, Indian Army

RCAF coastal command

RCAF coastal command

Served on the homefront with an all-Chinese St. Johns Ambulance brigade.

Served on the homefront with an all-Chinese St. Johns Ambulance brigade.

Army, SOE, Force 136

Army, SOE, Force 136

Navy

Navy

Navy

Navy

Army, SOE, Force 136

Army, SOE, Force 136

Navy

Navy

Navy

Navy

Expert marksman who was being trained for the Tiger Force - the invasion of Japan.

Expert marksman who was being trained for the Tiger Force – the invasion of Japan.

One of the first Chinese Canadians to be accepted into the RCAF.

One of the first Chinese Canadians to be accepted into the RCAF.

Army, SOE, Force 136

Army, SOE, Force 136

Army, SOE, Force 136

Army, SOE, Force 136