The Gravestone Marker Project

The Vision of Hong Kong Veteran Phil Doddridge: Every one of our men’s graves has a marker

Gravestone marker image With the battle of Hong Kong holding such a unique part of history, the HKVCA created this stunning grave marker some years ago to be placed on the gravestones of those who fought in the battle of Hong Kong. They were created as a way to identify, recognize, and honour ALL those who fought. As one can imagine, our association went to great lengths to ensure the gravestone markers matched our vision. The markers themselves are high-quality discs that have been custom forged and are then treated and painted with industrial paint in order to stand the tests of time, weather and wear. These gravestone markers have been available through our organization for several years, and we are happy to report that they have found their intended place, marking history on gravestones across the country. These stunning markers have generated enough interest that we had to have more made! We are so pleased that through great research and effort, these shiny new gravestone markers are back in-stock, made in Canada, and available TODAY, to be shipped directly to you, so our mission of every grave having a marker can continue to unfold. Orders can be placed today (shipping included!) with our resident merchandising officer - Barry Mitchell.

Options to order:

Gravestone markers can be purchased (or donations sent) by 2 options:

E-transferred to hkvca.national@gmail.com with the notation HK Gravestone Marker,
or
mail a cheque made out to HKVCA to:
HKVCA
Box 164
1826 Robertson Road
Ottawa K2H1B9
In the notes area indicate that the payment is for a Gravestone Marker. We will then contact you to arrange delivery details.

Attaching the Marker

From the distributor: "Use Dow Corning RTV Sealant or LePage Epoxy Steel. Both available at a good hardware store.”

Photo

We'd appreciate receiving a photo once the marker is installed. We'll use it to update our records on the veteran concerned.

How We Can Help

(Some details copied from our Summer 2024 newsletter)

All our HK vets deserve the public recognition the Hong Kong disc gives to their gravestone, but unfortunately some don’t have family members to purchase them. If not us, then who?

Our association has set up a fund to remedy this situation. The gravestone marker currently costs $75.00. Any donation to this fund will see another veteran’s stone proudly display their sacrifice of service. Any donation of $20.00 or more will receive a receipt for income tax. See details below.

Once a grave has been determined to be that of a Hong Kong veteran, a volunteer will:

try to contact a family member to ensure their participation;
give the stone a gentle cleaning if necessary, and
attach the HK disc. Photos will be taken and displayed on our website.

To date, approximately 214 grave markers have been purchased. We still have hundreds of vets waiting for this recognition. May these vets count on you for a donation?

How You Can Help

Information

The HKVCA is often advised of a veteran’s passing, but not the location of burial. If you are a family member or friend of a Canadian Veteran of the Battle of Hong Kong, check out our 'C' Force site and enter your veteran's name. We would greatly appreciate receiving missing information. This will be a huge undertaking but it is our wish that we do this to make Phil Doddridge’s vision a reality.

Donations

Donations can be e-transferred to hkvca.national@gmail.com with the notation HK Gravestone Marker, or mail a cheque made out to HKVCA to
HKVCA
Box 164
1826 Robertson Road
Ottawa K2H1B9