D-Day, June 6, 1944: 65th Anniversary
“Hero” is one of those words that is often bandied about with carelessness and applied with imprecision. There is no doubt, however, that those that stormed the beach at Normandy 65 years ago during the D-Day invasion are heroes. Many gave their lives on June 6, 1944—a day on which the tides of war began to turn in the favor of the Allies—in order that the world would be a more peaceful, more just place. To say that bravery and courage were on display that day would be a great understatement. The beaches at Normandy are lined with the blood of the fallen.
Roughly 15,000 Canadians landed at Juno Beach that morning after traversing the choppy seas of the English Channel. The fighting was fierce and frightening, with 574 Canadians seriously wounded, 47 taken prisoner, and 350 losing their lives. Despite their difficulties, the Canadian soldiers forged a very successful battle. British historian John Keegan says, “At the end of the day, [the 3rd Division’s] forward elements stood deeper into France than those of any other division. The opposition the Canadians faced was stronger than that of any other beach save Omaha. That was an accomplishment in which the whole nation could take considerable pride.”
We here at TB Vets take pride in the fact that we were founded by veterans. They returned from the war with tuberculosis, and created the TB Vets Keytag program as a way to provide work for themselves, and help others with respiratory problems. Today, veterans and their children and grandchildren continue their involvement as volunteer directors and members of the TB Vets organization. To this day, the TB Vet Keytag program has raised more than $10 million to help British Columbians with respiratory ailments and various disabilities lead healthy and productive lives. Our founding veterans fought a war, and a battle against respiratory disease. They wanted to create a world where no one would have to fight to breathe again. Please, join our battle.
To learn more about our history, visit our history page.
The Story of Harry Ho
Fat Chung Ho, who was given the English name “Harry” by his teachers, is just one of the veterans who built this organization.
After serving in Malaya during WWII, Harry returned home where a few years later he learned that he had contracted tuberculosis. After spending all of 1951 in a sanatorium and then having one of his lungs removed, he began working at TB Vets making keytags. As time passed, he moved up in the organization and was managing the keytag campaign by the time he retired 33 years later.
He watched as the first veteran employees began to retire, and TB Vets made a commitment to hire other people with disabilities.
The retiring veterans knew that their disabilities did not prevent them from being good workers, and they wanted to offer the same chance to others. We’re proud to continue the work of Harry and the other veterans who have done so much over the years to build this organization and to help people all over the province breathe better.
Upcoming Events
August 2: Pride Parade
Meet us at one of Vancouver's best events of the year! This year, we're excited both to have a booth at the Festival and a float in the Parade. Be sure to get one of our special TB Vets Pride ribbons as you enjoy the sights and sounds of the 31st annual Pride Parade. Visit www.vancouverpride.ca to get more details.
Friday October 16th--Swinging in the Rain
Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to move to the swinging sounds of the Dal Richards Orchestra. This event will feature a "1945" theme and will be held at the beautiful Heritage Hall. Tickets go on sale June 10, so be sure to reserve your spot!
For more information, please visit the Swinging in the Rain website.
TB Vets:
Helping BC Breathe Since 1946
Your donations provide BC with respiratory equipment, research and education. Learn more...
TB Vets News
- TB Vets' Spring Newsletter is now online. Click here for the latest TB Vets news.
- Green Zebra, our newest fundraiser. Get your Green Zebra Guide today!
TB Vets Keytags
- 2009 Keytags Available Now!
Help BC breathe! Donate now. - Didn't get a keytag? Request one!
- Found keys? Here's what to do.
- Legion Keytags are available now!
Events
- TB Vets Community Events
Please join us!
