Current Events

Veterans' Week
Ottawa, 5 - 11 November 2011 

From November 5 to 11, Canadians come together to recognize and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve Canada. In the week leading up to Remembrance Day, Canadians young and old will take part in hundreds of commemorative ceremonies and events across the country.

Canada is recognized around the world for its generosity and willingness to step forward when help is needed. Whether it has been in the South African War, First World War, Second World War, Korean War, present-day military and peace support efforts, or domestic operations ensuring the well-being of Canadians, Canada’s service men and women have answered the call. Time and time again, Canadians have signed up to defend our country, to take a stand against tyranny and to help restore the peace in times of conflict. More than 2.3 million Canadians have served in the cause of peace and freedom over the years. More than 117,000 have given their lives.

Canadians remember these heroes in many ways. We wear poppies, gather at war memorials and learn our history through books, videos and by speaking with Veterans. We attend ceremonies and events that honour Veterans. We express our thoughts and reflections through social media. With so many ways to remember, it is now easier than ever to show our gratitude and respect.

The Capital Division of the Company hosted a display on behalf of the Merchant Navy at the Billings Bridge Centre. Musical entertainment was be held in the Centre Court during the day. 

Veterans Week Advisory Group

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) has formed an Advisory Group, made up of government and veteran's representatives to advise VAC on the planning for the Veterans' Week activities each year. Mr. Hal Roberts P.Eng. of the Merchant Navy Association attends these meetings as a member of the Group. The Company coordinates its contributions to Veterans Week through Mr. Roberts.

16th Annual Veterans Appreciation Day
Tuesday 8 November 2011

The 16th Annual Veterans Appreciation Day was held on 8 November at Billings Bridge Shopping Centre. The Parade began at about 1030 in the Main Entrance Centre Court to the Shopping Mall. The Master of Ceremonies was Ms. Nicole Wotton, Program Advisor, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).

Company display set-up

The Ceremony followed the traditional Veterans Remembrance Ceremonies and Ms. Mary Chaput, Associate Deputy Minister, VAC, gave a short speech. Following the opening Commemorative Ceremony the management of Billings Bridge provided entertainment in the Centre Court until about 1500 hours.

Air Force Central Band and guests	L-R: Joyce Roberts, Jean McCartney, Ruby Legge and Jean Brooks who assisted
Captain Brian Thorne responding to two guests	Captain Tom Brooks, Mr. Hal Roberts P.Eng., and Captain Jeff McCartney

There were 29 Display Participants who hosted tables of artifacts and provided information to the public. Many students from local schools were bussed in to the event. The Company hosted a display on behalf of the Merchant Navy. Many thanks to our friends and Members who were able to devote some time to participate in this event.

The Capital Division also wishes to thank Veterans Affairs, the Plaza operators and other Contributing Organizations, the Display Participants, the Schools and the General Public for making this an important contribution to Veterans' Week.

 

National Remembrance Day
Friday 11 November 2011

Remembrance day this year was cold and windy with the temperatures just above the freezing mark. Despite the weather

National Master John McCann

 thousands gathered around the National War Memorial and watched from the surrounding sidewalks to pay their respects to the many Canadians who served their country in time of war and during peace keeping/peace making operations.

The Ceremonies got underway at 1100 hours with the traditional Order of Service. Following the Service, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada laid a wreath on behalf of the People of Canada. He was followed by other members of the Vice-Regal Party: Silver Cross Mother, Mrs. Patricia Braun; Prime Minister of Canada, Right Honourable Stephen Harper; Speaker of the House, Minister of Veterans affairs, etc.

 

The Company was fortunate that our National Master, Captain John McCann, was in Ottawa and could participate by laying a wreath on behalf of the Company of Master Mariners of Canada. Captain McCann is quoted in our November 2011 newsletter "From the Bridge" as follows:

"Having recently been elected National Master of the Company of Master Mariners of Canada one of the first functions that I was called upon to participate in was laying the wreath on behalf of the Merchant Navy at the National Cenotaph in Ottawa, Canada during our Day of Remembrance on November 11.
In doing so, I reflected on what a great privilege this was, given that being a “baby boomer” Master Mariner participating at a ceremony where so many Master Mariners and Seafarers had suffered through many years of hardship to allow me to fulfill my own career.
In particular, the Battle of the Atlantic was the longest battle of the Second World War, continuing unbroken from the first day of the war, September 3, 1939, to the last day of the war in Europe, May 8, 1945. The Merchant Marine was committed from the first day to the last."

There were 31 official Veterans Associations who laid wreaths.

Following the wreath laying the Governor General and the Silver Cross Mother moved to the saluting base to review the March Past of veterans and service personnel.

The Silver Cross Mother and the Governor General on the Saluting Base with Prime Minister Sephen Harper to the right

Following the ceremony the Fairmont Chateau Laurier hosted a hot lunch for veterans and their families.

The Company wishes to compliment the Royal Canadian Legion for the efficient way the managed, funded and hosted this Remembrance Day Ceremony.

The Company also wishes to thank Mr. Claude Sauvé, General Manager, Fairmont Château Laurier, and his staff and volunteers for their thoughtful generosity in hosting the “Veteran’s Lunch” following the ceremony at the National War Memorial. Their warm hospitality was a fitting tribute to our gallant veterans.

First Poppy Presentation to the Governor General by the Royal Canadian Legion
Rideau Hall at 0900 hours on 26 October 2011

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, as well as patron of The Royal Canadian Legion, received the symbolic first poppy from Patricia Varga, Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion, and Larry Murray, the organization’s grand president. The ceremony was held on Wednesday, October 26, 2011, at 9 a.m., at Rideau Hall.

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada addressing the guests. The couple sitting in the centre facing the Governor General is Captain Jeff McCartney and wife Jean

Poppies were available to the general public beginning October 28, 2011.

This year the Merchant Navy was represented by Captains Jeffrey McCartney and John Daniels from the Company and Mr. Hal Roberts, P. Eng, from the Merchant Navy Association; they were accompanied by their wives Jean, Jean and Joyce respectively. Captain McCartney and Jean had a good conversation with the Governor General (GG) about the time when the GG and his wife lived on the same street with Captain McCartney's Daughter-in-Law in Sault Ste. Marie.

    Mr. Hal Roberts also enjoyed the opportunity to meet and chat with the GG about his time at Western University. The University had been involved with the Black Brant Rocket - Auroral studies and later had a medical experiment on a Discovery Shuttle flight during the time Mr. Roberts had been working at the National Research Council on these same programs.

Each year, approximately 18 million poppies are distributed in communities across Canada. Officially adopted in Canada in 1921 by the Great War Veterans’ Association (the predecessor of today’s Royal Canadian Legion), poppies are recognized as the national symbol of remembrance for the 117 000 Canadian men and women who gave their lives during military service around the world.

[Pictures thanks to the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General]

 Company 44th National Annual General Meeting
Ottawa, 30 September to 2 October 2011

The Capital Division hosted this years 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Holiday Inn, 111 Cooper Street, Ottawa Ontario on 1 October at 1500 hours. The 174th National Council Meeting and the 175th National Council Meeting were held in the same location before and after the AGM.

Please use the link to our Newsletter for full details on the 44th Annual General Meeting [in upcoming November 2011 Edition].

The Capital Division also hosted a reception at the "Crows Nest" at HMCS Bytown, Naval Officers Mess and a dinner at the "Le Cafe" at the National Arts Centre.

The National Annual General Meeting group following the Saturday evening Dinner at the National Arts Center

Dinner at the Arts Centre	Dinner at the Arts Centre

Captain McCann, National Master, thanked the Capital Division and in particular Captains Hubbard, Jenkins and Daniels for their work organizing this very excellent weekend of meetings.

The Capital Division wishes to acknowledge and thank the following groups for their kind financial assistance and best wishes that helped make our Annual General Meeting a success.

Sponsors
Great Lakes Pilotage Authority
Laurentian Pilotage Authority
Canadian Merchant Service Guild

We would also take this opportunity to thank those who kindly acknowledged our request by expressing their best wishes for the success of our Annual General Meeting. We are grateful that all our sponsors and friends noted the important work the Company has done in support of the maritime industry and in particular our support to all seafarers.

Merchant Navy Veterans Day Ceremony
1100 hours Sunday 28 August 2011

The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs [VAC], was joined by the Honourable Warren Snowdon, Minister of Veterans' Affairs for Australia and Vice-Admiral Paul Maddison, Commander, Royal Canadian Navy, for a commemorative ceremony at the National War Memorial marking the 8th annual Merchant Navy Veterans Day.

The Canadian Air Force Band provided the music	Mr. Bruce Ferguson of the Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association read the Act of Remembrance
The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs laying a wreath on behalf of the Government of Canada	L-R: Captain Jeff McCartney, Mr. Leslie Kemp and Mr. Bruce Ferguson laying wreathes on behalf of their associations.

Captain Jeff McCartney laid a wreath on behalf of the Company of Master Mariners of Canada; Mr. Leslie Kemp on behalf of the League of Merchant Mariner Veterans of Canada; and Mr. Bruce Ferguson on behalf of the Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association.

"Canada's Merchant Navy played a critical role, both overseas and within Canada, during the First and Second World Wars," said Minister Blaney. "These courageous men and women rose to the challenge of supplying food and much of the materials needed to support Allied forces in Europe. We pledge that the story of the Merchant Navy will be told time and again so their valour at sea is never forgotten."

During the Second World War, the Canadian Merchant Navy suffered heavily, losing one seafarer in eight from the 12,000 who served on Canadian, British and Allied merchant ships. Some spent more than four years interned as prisoners of war.

"As we mark Merchant Navy Veterans Day, I encourage all Canadians to remember the heroic efforts of these brave individuals in defending our shared values of freedom and democracy," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. "We will never forget the part the Merchant Navy played in shaping our nation.

Group picture of most of the Merchant Navy Veterans who attended the ceremony [picture by Richard Lawrence, courtesy Veterans Affairs Canada]

"The men and women of the Canadian Merchant Navy showed tremendous bravery on the ocean," said Vice-Admiral Maddison. "They faced fierce attacks by enemy vessels and braved hazardous, life-threatening weather conditions. Their sacrifices will always be remembered."September 3 officially marks Merchant Navy Veterans Day in recognition of the contributions made by Canada's Merchant Navy.

Between 1939 and 1945, more than 1,700 Canadian and Newfoundland Merchant Navy personnel lost their lives in service. This figure also includes seamen from other countries who were lost while serving aboard merchant ships from Canada and Newfoundland.For more information on the Merchant Navy, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site at: www.veterans.gc.ca

Capital Division Annual General Meeting
Stittsville, Sunday 21 August 2011

The Capital Divisional Annual General Meeting was held in conjunction with the Divisional Summer Get-together.

There were no nominations or volunteers for Divisional Officers so the present slate of officers agreed to continue in their present positions. Refer to our "Welcome" page to view our Divisional Officers.

Most of the business focused on the up-coming National Annual General Meeting scheduled for 30 September to 2 October to be hosted by our Capital Division.

Thanks to our members, wives and friends who were able to attend our AGM and Get-together and making it such a success.

Special thanks to Captain Dave Jenkins and Marilyn for their gracious hospitality and wonderful food.

95th Anniversary of the Battles of the
Somme and Beaumont-Hamel
Ottawa, National War Memorial
and Reception at the Canadian War Museum
1 - 2 July 2011

As part of the Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa, an early-morning commemorative ceremony was held at the National War Memorial. The Honourable Senator Fabian Manning attended the ceremony and laid a wreath in honour of those who served during the Battles of the Somme and of Beaumont-Hamel. Representatives from Canadian Veterans' organizations, Canadian youth, parliamentarians, members of the diplomatic corps and other special guests also participated in the wreath-laying ceremony.

The song Ode to Newfoundland  was performed by the Atlantic Voices Choir and the Lake Academy Children's Choir.

Crowd at ceremony	War Memorial before ceremony
Merchant Navy Veteran Les White and wife Valerie	Veterans Doug Meredith and Hal Roberts with Jean Brooks

The Battle of the Somme began early on the morning of July 1, 1916, near the town of Beaumont-Hamel. Thousands of soldiers from Britain and Newfoundland climbed out of their trenches to walk through a hail of machine gun fire, toward the German line. In less than half an hour, the fighting was over. 57,470 British soldiers were killed or wounded on what remains the bloodiest day in the history of the British Army. Newfoundlanders suffered especially heavy losses on that day: of the approximately 800 who had gone into battle, only 68 were able to respond at roll call the following morning. (Veterans Affairs Canada)

Captain Jeff McCartney speaking to Their Royal Highnesses

Captain Jeff McCartney, from the Capital Division, and his family, were invited to a reception at the Canadian War Museum for the Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge on 2 July. There were about 20 veterans at the reception of which four were from World War II. Captain McCartney had the honour of representing the Merchant Navy WW II veterans. Captain McCartney spoke to their Royal Highnesses about his background and search and rescue experiences. In addition, the Duke and Dutchess met many wartime Nurses and War Brides.

Commemoration of the Battle of the Atlantic
Ottawa National War Memorial
1 May 2011

A commemorative ceremony was held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa to mark the sacrifices made by the many that fought in the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War.

Veterans' Parade (fewer each year)	The Future

The federal government issued a statement marking the anniversary:

"Canada, through the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force, played a key role in clearing the North Atlantic of U-boats, while Canada's Merchant Navy sailed the dangerous waters to supply the Allied war effort. We remember, with everlasting gratitude, the valiant service and remarkable bravery of those who made the supreme sacrifice -- those whose final resting places cannot be marked by graves --and of those who survived."

The Battle of the Atlantic, the fight for supremacy of the North Atlantic, was waged from 1939 until 1945 and pitted Allied naval and air forces against the Axis powers’ U-boats, surface raiders and aircraft whose primary targets were the convoys of merchant ships carrying vital life-sustaining cargo from North America to Europe.

Much of the burden of fighting the Battle of the Atlantic fell to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). The Merchant Navy lost more than 1700 seafarers and over 70 ships; the RCN lost over 2000 dead and 24 ships; the Royal Canadian Air Force lost more than 900 airmen.

Ms. Hannah Baird was the first Canadian Merchant Navy seafarer to die in World War II. Stewardess Hannah Baird was lost at sea on 4 September 1939 when the German submarine U-30, commanded by Fritz-Julius Lemp, torpedoed the British passenger ship the S.S. Athenia.

Vice-Admiral McFadden honouring the Merchant Navy VIP Captain Jack Smith

In Ottawa, there was a parade from the Government Conference Centre to the National War Memorial at 10:20 a.m., followed by a ceremony at the National War Memorial, which included the Chief of the Maritime Staff Vice-Admiral Dean McFadden, veterans, serving members of the Canadian Forces, cadets and other guests. During the ceremony, an vintage World War II aircraft conducted a flypast.

Captain John Daniels laid the Company wreath, and Captain Jack Smith, Merchant Navy VIP, laid the wreath for the Canadian Merchant Navy.

Captain Jack Smith reviewing the Parade	Captain John Daniels laying the Company wreath

Following the ceremony, there  was a reception for parade participants at the Government Conference Centre.

 Battle of the Atlantic Spring Ball
Friday 29 April 2011 at Ottawa Delta Hotel

The Ball this year returned to its traditional form and was held in the Ballroom in the Delta Hotel. It was a formal evening in honour of the 66th Anniversary of the end of the Battle of the Atlantic.

Company members and friends standing left to right: Charles Gadula, George Legge, Tom Brooks, Jean and John Daniels andStan Morrison , seated left to right:Yvonne Gadula, Ruby Legge, Jean Brooks and Chris Morrison [my apologies for missing Dave and Marilyn Jenkins]

It featured dinner, drinks, dancing and special guests. Many of our members and their wives were able to attend, in addition to several friends and their wives.

Thank all of you for attending and keeping the Company spirit alive in the veteran's community.

 

Unveiling of Ice Sculpture Honouring the Service of Women in the Canadian Forces
Confederation Park, 10 February 2011

The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn Minister of Veterans Affairs and Marie Lemay Chief Executive Officer National Capital Commission unveiled an ice sculpture to honour the service of women in the Canadian Forces as part of Winterlude 2011.

Veterans Affairs Canada’s 2011 Winterlude Ice Sculpture is a replica of the Nursing Sisters' Memorial, displayed in the Hall of Honour in the Centre Block on Parliament Hill. The original marble memorial, unveiled in 1926, tells the story of Nursing Sisters in Canada which dates back beyond the First World War. Also featured in ice, next to the memorial, are statues of women representing modern roles in the three arms of the Forces - land, sea, and air.

   

Canadian Marime Advisory Council (CMAC)
Monday-Thursday 1-4 November 2010

CMAC is a forum for consultation with and information sharing among marine community stakeholders on matters of safety, navigation, and marine pollution.

Spring and Fall meetings are held at the Government Conference Centre, 2 Rideau Street, Ottawa, Ontario. For more information interested parties should contact the Secretariat through the Council Web Site

To contact the Council: Email: cmac-ccmc@tc.gc.ca; Phone: 613-993-5027; Fax: 613-991-5670;

Mailing Address: CMAC Secretariat, Transport Canada, Marine Safety, 330 Sparks Street, Tower "C", 11th Floor, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0N8

A flow chart describing the Deck Officers' Certificates is attached as a PDF file.