History of The

Canadian Vietnam Veterans Association (MB)

Rob Purvis's Concept

•  The Canadian Vietnam Veterans Association (MB) was organized during the early months of 1986, when Mr. Rob Purvis of Winnipeg, contacted other Canadian Veterans and sent articles to newspapers across Canada, asking Vietnam Veterans to write him.  

•  Over the following months many Veterans responded. The association was set up as a fraternal organization, with the objective of trying to obtain in Canada, those benefits available to Veterans residing in the U.S. Also, we wished to set up a committee to help Veterans with problems, or questions and guide them.

•  On November 11, 1987, having been refused permission by the Royal Canadian Legion to participate in the official Remembrance Day service, The C.V.V.A. (MB) held their own ceremony at the Winnipeg Cenotaph.  We had an excellent turnout, including quite a number of Legion, Hong Kong, and Army Navy and Air Force Veterans.

Washington D.C.

•  A reunion of Canadian Vietnam Veterans was organized for Washington, D.C. in the third week of September 1986. Besides a reunion, it was planned to have meetings with the government to see if we could get changes made in legislation so that Veterans could obtain their benefits up here in Canada.

•  The reunion was a complete success. We were well received by government officials and by hundreds of American Vietnam Veterans who turned out to participate in the ceremonies and social evenings with us. On Friday morning, 19 September 1986 we met with Veterans Affairs at American Legion Headquarters.

Congressional Meeting

•  In the afternoon we met with Congressional Veterans Affairs Committee, headed by Congressman Lane Evans. At both meetings we were treated with respect, courtesy, and a sympathetic view toward our problems. Everybody promised to do whatever they could to help us.

•  The reunion concluded on Saturday evening, after a very moving ceremony at the Vietnam Memorial Wall. Approximately 80 Canadians from across Canada attended.

•  On May 13, 1988 we received the good news that Congress passed the bill authorizing Canadian Vietnam Veterans to receive medical treatment here in Canada.  That same weekend we were officially recognized by the Army Navy and Air Force Veterans in Manitoba.  

Montana Monument

•  On the Labor Day weekend Canadian Vietnam Veterans from Manitoba attended a memorable ceremony in Glendive, Montana.  We were there for the unveiling of a monument dedicated: "IN MEMORY OF VIETNAM AND KOREAN VETERANS OF MONTANA AND CANADA" The Montana Veterans had earlier asked us to present them with a Canadian flag, which will be flown with the American flag at all ceremonies at the monument site. 

•  To our knowledge this is the only monument dedicated to Veterans of 2 countries and 2 wars.  The black granite monument depicts a likeness of the "Three Servicemen" statue which stands near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in D.C.  It is truly an honor for Canadian Veterans to be recognized in this way.

CVVA Recognition

•  The resolution went to the Dominion Convention and was passed unanimously.  On June 12, 1988 the ANAF invited us to participate in a memorial parade in Selkirk, Manitoba.  This was the first time we had been invited to participate in a parade being hosted by Canadian Veterans.

•  On May 27, 1989 we participated in our first Memorial Day Ceremony at Brookside Cemetery.  Taking part with us was color parties from Army Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada, International War Veterans Alliance, Hong Kong Veterans Association and the Winnipeg Grenadier Cadet Corps.

•  From June 30 to July 4, 1989, Vietnam Veterans and their families from Winnipeg and other parts of Canada attended a "WELCOME HOME CANADIAN VIETNAM VETERANS" celebration in Detroit, Michigan. To be finally given a real welcome home was deeply appreciated.

CVVA Gratitude

•  It is impossible to put in words the gratitude felt by all the Canadians for the herculean efforts of Detroit Vietnam Veterans Ed Johnson, Roy Sexton, and their committee who worked so hard with them to give us this welcome home event. 

•  Thanks also to Tony Diamond of Bravo Magazine and entertainers "Britt Small & Festival".  It was a time to renew past friendships and to make new friends. The C.V.V.A. (MB) has arranged to have Veterans Affairs officials come up from North Dakota to explain how to go about filing claims and setting up a support group within our ranks.

(We wish to acknowledge our gratitude to Murray and Betty Bradshaw for providing us the history on the CVVA)