Canadian History You Never Knew: Japanese Canadians Fought at Vimy, Too

Join historian Debbie Jiang for this hybrid talk on the Japanese Canadian’s who fought at Vimy Ridge during World War 1.

“The 200 men go not only as soldiers to fight in the Canadian war. They go to sacrifice themselves in the battle to achieve rights here at home. The question of franchise in British Columbia is still not settled. The sacrifice of these men is to break this barrier.” — CONSTITUTION OF THE JAPANESE CANADIAN OVERSEAS VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS (1916)

Every day is Remembrance Day when we think of those whose shoulders we stand on, as we enjoy our freedom and democracy. They died so that we may live. But who exactly are we remembering? Do we know their stories, their origins? It is important to honour people as individuals and not only their final resting places. In this presentation, you will learn about Canada’s nearly forgotten warriors who were given the right to vote on the battlefield in 1917, but when they returned home, it was back to being banned.

They formed a Canadian Legion Branch to help champion their cause — Legion Branch #9 was the heart of the Japanese Canadian returned soldiers’ community, and finally, in 1931 their dream came true. As we mark the 100^th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion, come and hear about the history and demise of this branch and the members who belonged to it during the Second World War.

This is a hybrid event that will be happening both in-person in Richmond BC, as well as virtually.

Virtual Event: https://yourlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/69be09e6bfe6da104224c09f

In-Person Event: https://yourlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/69be08f623b45fff20f29b8e