Canadian Heritage Renews The Memory Project Funding

July 12th witnessed a significant event for both The Historica-Dominion Institute and, for that matter, Canada. Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore was at the HMCS York in Toronto to announce new and expanded funding for The Memory Project Archive.
This renewal will allow The Memory Project team to continue interviewing not only Second World War veterans, but Korean War veterans.

In attendance were members of veteran associations, current Canadian Forces servicemen and women, and members of Cadet Canada. In attendance were those already featured on The Memory Project website, and others soon will be.
The event was hosted by Jeremy Diamond, Director of The Historica-Dominion Institute, who introduced featured guests, Senator Yonah Martin, Second World War veteran George Macdonell, Korean War veteran Mort Lightstone and MP James Moore.
To be among the audience and to hear the passionate speeches of all the speakers was a pleasure. I couldn’t help but be moved by the pride of the speakers for the Project.
Born in Seoul, Korea, Senator Martin immigrated to Canada with her family in 1972, settling in Vancouver, BC. However, her home land, she has not forgotten.
Mr. Moore was also quite poignant, stating that Canada’s failure to not taking down the stories of First World War veterans should never be repeated. Indeed, I believe Canadians have learned from their previous lack of initiative; thousands of personal stories will compose the archive, destined to become national treasures.
What is perhaps most special about this new initiative is the expansion of the project to the Korean War. Too long deemed a “forgotten war”, the men and women involved in that conflict, who are every bit courageous and worthy, will tell their stories.
I should not forget a few other attendees. The new Memory Project team, who have taken over from the original group, and who will be responsible in finding, recording, and uploading the many moving and fascinating stories – Andrea Quaiattini, Carl Pépin, Drew Boyd, Matthew Ferguson, James Ellis, Jennifer Givogue, Alex Herd, and Jill Paterson.
Visit the Historica-Dominion Institute Blog for more updates.

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