Remembrance Day Ceremony
Japanese Canadian War Memorial, Stanley Park
This year’s Remembrance Day Ceremony, held at the Japanese Canadian War Memorial in Stanley Park, marked the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The epic battle claimed many lives, including 33 Japanese Canadians. The Memorial, which was unveiled on April 9, 1920, the Third Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by many Japanese Canadians who fought for Canada from a sense of duty and to prove their loyalty to a country that was not always welcoming.
On September 8, 1914, Montréal-born Tomomi Thomas became the first Japanese Canadian to enlist. In total, 222 young men fought in World War One. Of these, 53 died on the battlefield or from wounds suffered there. A total of 14 decorations were awarded for bravery in the field. The last surviving veteran to die was Tamotsu Mikuriya, who passed away on November 19, 1989 in Claresholm, Alberta.
While Japanese Canadians were initially forbidden to enlist in the Canadian Army during World War Two, a total of 156 managed to enlist towards the end of the War, primarily in the Canadian Intelligence Corp.
On November 11, a large crowd gathered in Stanley Park to pay their respects to those who fought and died for Canada. Lead once again by Master of Ceremonies Roy Kawamoto, the event was held under cloudy skies that only occasionally opened up to drench the crowd. After the singing of O Canada, led by Keiko Norisue, the guests of honour were introduced, followed by prayers by Reverend Roderick Hashimoto and The Last Post by Bugler Bdr. Allison Stockdale. The moment of silence was followed by the Lament, played by piper Edward Mclllwaine; Reveille by Bugler Bdr. Allison Stockdale; in Flanders Fields, recited by Eileen Kitamura; and Act of Remembrance by Gordon Kobayashi. The placing of wreathes and the singing of God Save the Queen, led by Keiko Norisue, rounded out the ceremony. A new tradition, introduced this year, had members of the audience placing their own poppies in a makeshift wreath in an act of collective remembrance.
Following the event, a reception was held at the Vancouver Rowing Club, with sushi, sandwiches and beverages provided by a team of volunteers. A delicious cake, decorated with the words Vimy Ridge 1917 – 2007, was served to end the afternoon.
The Japanese Canadian War Memorial Committee would like to thank the following for their contribution to this year’s event. Sincerest apologies to anyone whose name has been missed. If anyone would like to volunteer for next year’s event, please contact Nancy Kato at katosan@telus.net.
Volunteers
Jordan Usui
Linda Ohama
Alice Takaki
Miwako Mori
Ray & Michiko Ota
Judy Inouye
May Sato
Naomi Kamiya
Miyoko Griguon
Victor Kawabata
Carol Yokota
Sanaye Ikari
Lily Omae
Winola Chu
Walt Shore
Patsy Ivabach
Judy Iwabuchi
Minako Wartenberg
Chic Tanaka
Dianne Simpson
Kirn Dhaliwal-Bown
Jessica Bown
Caitlan Ohama-Darcus
Donations of Food
Alice Tanaye
Miwako Mori
June Nishihara
Sanaye Ikari
May Sato
Paul & Eileen Kitamura
Ivan, Cobie, David Taguchi
Alice Takaki
Miwako Takaki
Jo-Ann Jensen
Ron Robertson
Nora Medenwaldt
Chic Tanaka
Bev Inouye
Sally Ozawa
Current Board of Japanese Canadian
War Memorial Committee
Roy Kawamoto (Co-chair)
Nancy Kato (Co-chair)
Bev Inouye
Chic & Henry Tanaka
Gord Kobayashi
Bob Usui
Ray Ota
Linda Ohama
Don Yamane
Pearl Williams
Walter Uegama
Carl Yokota (ad hoc)
Photos by John Endo Greenaway
For more photos, please visit my
Flikr site
