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Archiver > WARBRIDES > 2007-01 > 1169073895
From: "Ivy Kellam" <>
Subject: Re: [WARBRIDES] American War Brides Association
Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 17:44:55 -0500
References: <45AE6322.3010303@telus.net>
Very interesting observations regarding the different approaches to War
Brides.
It is true that in Canada the different Provinces seem to have completely
different ideas as to how to remember historical events.
In the past Cdns. have been critical about the melting pot attitude of
Americans. In recent years it has been impressed upon Cdns. that as the
different ethic and religious people came to Canada they were allowed to
keep the culture, religion and language of the countries they came from. I
always had my doubts about this acceptance believing it led to ghettoes and
people not joining citizens already living in Canada who regarded themselves
as Canadian, whatever their background.. When I came to Canada in 1946
newcomers were expected to become Cdn. this attitude continued for many
years and to me seemed successful. However, politics entered the picture
and in order to obtain the votes of different ethnic, religious or coloured
people the multicultural theme was spouted by the politicians. That is why
we do not have a National organization supporting the War Brides (just an
example). If there are large numbers of War Brides in a particular province
you see a lot of interest and support for them, otherwise they go unnoticed.
As a result of this fact that is why we were so thrilled on our train trip
to Halifax to be received with such warmth in the Maritimes and in
particular Nova Scotia. Our history, and the War Brides are part of our
history, should like the rest of our history be celebrated by the country,
inclusive of all Provinces. What part did the Federal Govt. play in the
Year of the War Bride. What part did the Governor General, representing the
Queen play? I may have missed some of the news as I tried to keep up with
the news on the TV, in magazines and in the Newspapers. We do appreciate
all those who honoured us. I was moved to tears on many an occasion. I
attended the party at the Ont. Legislature, the speeches and welcoming
words were appreciated.
The train journey and the welcome of Nova Scotia warmed our hearts. We had
never expected to observe such warmth and smiles from the country our men so
gladly served. IK
----- Original Message -----
From: "hlmw" <>
To: <>
Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2007 12:55 PM
Subject: [WARBRIDES] American War Brides Association
> With all the fuss and excitement about the VIA train to Halifax in
> Canada and the grand 60 year celebration of Canadian War Brides, it
> occurs to me that this list has been dominated for a couple of months by
> Canadian War Bride activities. I think some accolades are due our
> American and other counterparts!
>
> I subscribe to the American War Brides Courier Newsletter and realize 2
> or 3 things in reading it for which I envy their organization:
>
> 1. World War II War Brides Association (American): they have one
> organization at the national level which creates a large body of members
> which leads to far more interest, participation and activities.
> Canadians only have separate clubs at the provincial level with very
> little interaction between groups.
> 2. They have War Babies who are carrying on/sustaining the American
> Association. How wonderful they are in supporting aging War Bride
> mothers and grandmothers. How I wish we had such a group.
> 3. The January/February "War Brides Courier" is filled with interesting
> stories from War Brides that make me realize how different some of their
> experiences were from ours in marrying servicemen and moving to a new
> country.And how great it is that their stories are being sent in to the
> "Courier" for publication.
> 4. They have a national president (Erin Craig - War Baby) and a full
> slate of officers as well as the "Courier" editor and staff.
> Adding it all up makes for a fine organization which, I hope, will
> continue due to the efforts of the War Babies.
> I am afraid our separate Canadian organizations, which are diminishing
> rapidly in numbers, will just dribble away.
> Congratulations to all of you for a very well run, organized association
> and a special "Bon Voyage" to Erin Craig and Mum Iris as they leave in
> February for a trip to Australia. That is a fine article in the
> "Courier" Iris. I am looking forward to the second part in March/April
> newsletter.
> Which reminds me: annual memberships (15.00 US) are due in January.
> I know someone will ask about membership so here it is:
> Contact Erin Craig at PO Box 1812, El Centro, CA 92244, USA
> e-mail: (someone must be taking her
> place while she is away in Australia).
> My usual best wishes to all of you,
> Hazel - Canadian War Bride in Alberta.
>
>
>
>
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