Last year, I wrote about the special debt I feel to Canadian soldiers that defended my birthplace – Hong Kong. I found more information about the Canadian troops who defended Hong Kong at the Veterans Affairs Canada website.
This year I would like to pay tribute to Company Sergeant Major John Robert Osborne, 1st Battalion The Winnipeg Grenadiers – awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously. His story and Victoria Cross citation can be read here. Sgt Major Osborn was the first Canadian to be awarded the Victoria Cross and 1 of 16 awarded in the Second World War. His bravery and selfless sacrifice symbolizes the Canadian spirit. Here is the ending quote of his citation:
Company Sergeant-Major Osborn was an inspiring example to all throughout the defence which he assisted so magnificently in maintaining against an overwhelming enemy force for over eight and a half hours, and in his death he displayed the highest quality of heroism and self-sacrifice.
For more about the defense of Hong Kong, please go to the Veterans Affairs Canada website – Canadians in Hong Kong.
I am thankful to Sgt Major Osborne and his comrades for their sacrifice and I am proud to be Canadian. If you can please take time to spend 2 minutes of silence at 11am wherever you are.
Lest we forget. 
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Leo de Sousa
