The veterans of Pacific Unit 280 are getting smaller in number each year. My grand-uncle Daniel Lee was a past-president for Pacific Unit 280 and always helped to organize their events. Sadly Uncle Dan passed away last year in 2010, along with Howard Chan – whose sister had married my mother's brother. The vets always have lunch afterwards at Foo's Ho Ho Restaurant. I have joined them on many occasions since about 2000.
photo – Todd Wong
Veteran Frank Lee, who took part in the Normandy Landings of WW2, shows his medals to Susan Crean, our current writer-in-residence at Historic Joy Kogawa House. I have known Frank since I was a little boy, and grew up with his nephews – photo Todd Wong
My Toronto friends Susan Crean and Brad Lee came to the ceremonies and brought Brad's dad. Ray Lee, who is from Calgary. I introduced them to my city councilor friends Ellen Woodsworth, Andrea Reimer and Raymond Louie, plus new COPE candidate RJ Aquino. Ellen and Raymond have been attending the Chinatown ceremonies for many years. – photo Todd Wong
Current Parks commissioner Stuart Mackinnon and former City Councilor Tim Louis attended the ceremonies. Tim declared that Stuart was his favorite Parks Commissioner. I have known both for years. Stuart was a paddler on the Gung Haggis Fat Choy dragon boat team, and together we helped create a junior team for Killarney High School, where Stuart teaches. Tim has been a former Library Board member, and I have also attended COPE parties at his home in Kitsilano. – photo Todd Wong
