Six sailors of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) were honoured in Parliament Hill on November 25, as part of Navy Appreciation Day 2014. Sponsored by the Navy League of Canada, Navy Appreciation Day brings together Parliamentarians, the RCN, the maritime education sector and the maritime defence industry to celebrate the accomplishments of Canada’s Navy.
The Navy League of Canada recognized the six sailors for acts of heroism or the exceptional achievement of their duties in service to Canada.
“Thanks to the efforts of the Navy League of Canada, this is also an opportunity for our elected representatives to learn more about the achievements of our Navy’s most important resource: its people,” said Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, Commander RCN.
The six sailors included:
Lieutenant Robert Davenport from Burnaby, B.C.; Lieutenant John Willigar from Truro, N.S.; Officer Cadet Jean-Charles Viens from Granby, Que.; Chief Petty Officer Second Class Edward Burns from Powassan, Ont.; Master Seaman Brandon Ensom from Victoria, B.C.; and Leading Seaman Alicia Barlow from Charlottetown, P.E.I.
“Each one of these sailors has pledged to conduct themselves in a way that supports the RCN’s core value of being ready for service at all times – ashore and afloat – both on and off duty,” said VAdm Norman. “They are certainly, as our motto states, ‘Ready Aye Ready’.”
Minister of National Defence Rob Nicholson added: “Canadians are proud of our Navy, and to ensure it remains able to respond when and where necessary, our Government has embarked on the most intensive and comprehensive period of fleet modernization and renewal in Canada’s peacetime history. While having the best equipment available is important to the mission, even more important are the men and women of the Navy who, through their dedication and professionalism, exemplify the best qualities of our Canadian Armed Forces.”
Recognition was given to the deserving sailors in the Senate Chamber in a ceremony hosted by Speaker of the Senate and Honorary Captain (Navy) Noël Kinsella. This ceremony marked the last event in Parliament for Speaker Kinsella, who will be retiring from the Senate later this week. VAdm Norman presented Speaker Kinsella with an RCN Commendation for his exceptional dedication, commitment and ambassadorial excellence for his work as an Honorary Capt(N) over the past six years.
Also present for the ceremony were Louise Mercier, National President of Navy League of Canada; Senator Daniel Lang; and Senator James Cowan, who was there on behalf of Senator Terry Mercer, one of the driving forces behind Navy Appreciation Day. [mappress mapid=”14556″] Press Release; Image: Canadian Navy