The month of August is an important one of remembrances for The Royal Canadian Legion. August 15 represents the day that Victory in Japan (VJ Day, 1945) became official. This date is often forgotten by many Canadians as it is not as well published as the Victory in Europe (VE Day) or Remembrance Day, November 11, likely due to a smaller Canadian participation. The war in the Pacific was brutal, particularly Hong Kong. The treatment of prisoners in POW camps was generally cruel and violent.
The other significant date for Canada this month is the Raid on Dieppe, France, on August 19, 1942. This event was plagued by insufficient planning and questionable intelligence. It was doomed from the start. Nearly 2700 of the 5000 Canadian soldiers were killed or captured.
For those Canadians who were there, Hong Kong and Dieppe, we remember them with great honour and respect. May our heroes Rest in Peace. In memory of these events a wreath was presented to the cenotaph by Cde. Wendy Lambert, President, Sooke Br #54 and Cde. Tom Lott, Chair, Br #54 Poppy Committee. Lest we forget.
Tom Lott, Chairman, Royal Canadian Legion #54, Sooke
