Loading ...

Help be a part of history with the Veterans Street Banner Program.

Do you know who Tom Shoyama was? One of Canada’s brightest minds, son of a baker from Kamloops, UBC-educated, he was the advocate-editor of the New Canadian, the newspaper that was the lifeline for all interned Japanese Canadians during the Second World War. Thomas Kunito Shoyama (1916-2006) was a war veteran, serving in the S-20 Intelligence Corps, and in 1946, was encouraged to join the provincial government in Saskatchewan by his university friend, George Tamaki. During this time, the greatest feather in his cap was the co-creation of Medicare with Tommy Douglas. He went on to work for the federal government, becoming Deputy Minister of Finance in Ottawa. Shoyama was made Officer of the Order of Canada in 1978.

This October, Canadians will have the chance to see Tom Shoyama honoured on a special street banner in downtown Vancouver. Along with hundreds of other Canadian veterans, his banner will be displayed during the Remembrance season, likely along the Cambie Bridge or near BC Place Stadium.

Be part of history and donate any amount toward the purchase of his banner. The total cost is $229. You may purchase or sponsor a banner for any Canadian veteran from any conflict Canada participated in. Photos must be submitted no later than August 8. This Veterans Street Banner Program is a partnership between the Royal Canadian Legion – BC/Yukon Command and the City of Vancouver. It is the first time any Japanese Canadian veteran will appear on these banners. So far there are six families who have purchased such a banner for 2025.

For soldiers who do not have any family to remember them, consider making a donation so that a banner may be displayed in honour of him. If you are interested in being part of the Shoyama Banner fundraiser, please click here to sign-up and donate.

Lest we forget.