Speaking Notes
Pierre Duplessis
Overseas Club Dinner, Rideau Club
Saturday, May 7, 2005
Let me begin by welcoming all of you to this very special event in honour of several incredible women. More than 60 years ago, a courageous group of young women - many of whom are in this room with us this evening - responded to the call of duty overseas.
As World War II raged, 641 Canadian women left their homes and their families to volunteer as part of the Red Cross Corps in the United Kingdom, Africa, Italy, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. In addition to the overseas detachment, another 15,000 Red Cross Corps volunteers helped out on the home front back in Canada.
Here is an excerpt from our 1945 annual report, written by our Overseas Commissioner:
“Of the individual and group efforts entered into by the Canadian Red Cross Corps members overseas, nothing but the highest praise can be given to the spirit by which they were accomplished. They have all worked through periods of terrific pressure and slack moments with a willingness and loyalty that was wonderful to see. The ambulance drivers seconded to the British Red Cross, the nursing staff seconded to the Civil Nursing Reserve, and corps members seconded to St. Dunstan’s for work with the blind, experienced their busiest moments during the early part of the year, and worked like persons inspired. They have earned for themselves the greatest respect and grateful thanks of all three organizations.”
We echo the same message of thanks here today, 60 years later.
The Canadian Red Cross has more than 100 years of humanitarian service, and you, the members of the Canadian Red Cross Corps overseas detachment
are a proud part of our history. Our mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world - and you embodied this mission.
You, quite simply put, were ahead of your time. Your tenacity, bravery and dedication to your country and the ideals of the Red Cross will never be forgotten.
Whether it was driving ambulances - often during blackouts - providing comfort and support to Canadian troops who were patients in hospitals overseas, or carrying out administrative duties and the distribution of food parcels to prisoners of war, your commitment was steadfast.
Today the Canadian Red Cross is a very different organization than it was during World War II, athough our fundamental principles remain the same. In some ways you were the international delegates of your time, doing what you could to help those in need. Whereas today we have more than 100 Canadian delegates who travel overseas each year, some who visit prisoners of war, they mirror your work in helping to ensure that human dignity is preserved in times of conflict.
We commend the Canadian Government for recognizing you and therefore enabling you to receive some of the veterans’ benefits.
As the 60th anniversary of VE Day approaches tomorrow and we also celebrate World Red Cross Day, May 8, we wish to tell you how proud we are of your accomplishments.
We must continue to keep your stories alive as part of our rich history, and never forget what you did for the Red Cross, and for all Canadians. We are truly grateful, to you the ladies of the Overseas Club.
Please join me in a round of applause for all those present here this evening.
May 12, 2005
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