By Amanda
May marks Asian Heritage Month. On this special occasion, let us take a moment to honour the remarkable contributions made by Chinese pioneers to the development of Canada and Chinese communities throughout history. During major global conflicts, Chinese communities in Vancouver supported the fight against fascism through substantial donations and military enlistment.
During both World Wars, Chinese Canadians actively enlisted in the military despite facing racial discrimination and restrictions. In the face of these challenges, countless young Chinese Canadians bravely joined the battlefield. During World War II, Chinese and Chinese-Canadian youth enlisted to support the anti-fascist war effort. Chinese and Chinese-Canadian individuals courageously participated in anti-fascist battles around the world, including in the Pacific and European theatres. Chinese individuals were involved in pivotal events such as the 1944 Normandy landings.
During World War II, courageous Chinese female soldiers served in the army and air force in medical, communications, logistics, and technical support roles, contributing significantly to the fight against fascism. Although more than 80 years have passed since the end of the war, we must continue to remember the overseas Chinese pioneers who bravely fought and contributed to world peace, national independence, and the prosperity of today’s society.
We remain grateful to our ancestors, cherish peace, and will continue working alongside the Indigenous peoples of Canada and people from all communities to build a more prosperous and harmonious society for future generations.
We would like to thank Amanda for sharing her story and for her ongoing commitment to supporting women and children in the Downtown Eastside through her work with DEWC.