Yap Praises Chinese-Canadian Contributions Made During WWII
John Yap, MLA
Richmond-Steveston
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release
April 19, 2007
VICTORIA - Richmond-Steveston MLA John Yap spoke today in the Legislature about the important contributions Chinese-Canadians made during the Second World War.
"When war began in Europe in 1939, there was debate within the Chinese-Canadian community as to whether or not they should participate and fight for a country that they felt treated them as second class citizens," said Yap, who is also Government Caucus Chair. "Even as many volunteered, most were rejected due to their ethnicity. But all that changed when Japan entered the war and many were recruited to help with undercover operations in Asia. Soon the Canadian military had Chinese-Canadians serving in all areas of operations, fighting not only for freedom, but for equality in their country. At war's end, over 600 Chinese-Canadians served, making them the largest ethnic group to serve the Canadian military."
In the Legislature visitor's gallery today were ten Chinese-Canadian veterans of the Second World War, invited by Yap.
He also drew attention to the cultural importance of the Chinese-Canadian Military Museum. "Today, I rise to speak about a very important cultural institution in British Columbia, the Chinese-Canadian Military Museum. A non-profit organization established in 1998, the military museum is located in the heart of Vancouver's Chinatown."
Yap continues: "Howe Lee, President and Founder, had a vision to preserve, collect and bring to light the artefacts, memorabilia and, most importantly, the stories of the Chinese-Canadian veterans that risked their lives in order to serve Canada during World War II, despite the blatant racism and indignities they faced at the time."
He concludes: "Under the guidance of Howe Lee and Museum Curator Larry Wong, the Chinese-Canadian Military Museum proudly displays the stories of courage, sacrifice and patriotism of those who chose to fight for their country, Canada. I encourage everyone to visit the museum and learn about a widely unknown part of Canada's military history."
Please visit John Yap's website at www.johnyapmla.bc.ca