Toronto, Ontario
A Second World War Veteran, Mr. Stroud was incarcerated in Japanese Prisoner of War camps following the Battle of Hong Kong. In 1946 he founded the Hong Kong Veterans Association of Canada, which he would serve as President with dedication and distinction for 45 consecutive years. As President of the Ontario Branch of the Hong Kong Veterans Association, he made effective representations to the Government in favour of compensation for Hong Kong Veterans. The successful settlement which ensued in 1998 was in part the result of his determined efforts. For the past 15 years, Mr. Stroud has been Vice-Chairman of the National Council of Veterans Associations, a pensions advocate of the Canadian Corps Association, and for 30 years, a trustee of the POW Trust Fund for Veterans. Mr. Stroud's efforts to gain benefits and services for prisoners of war have had an impact, both at the national and international levels.