Marine Institute participates in Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal ceremony for Merchant Navy veterans

Six Canadian merchant navy veterans were presented Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals by John C. Crosbie, Lieutenant-Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, during a presentation at the Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland on Tuesday, October 30

Medal recipients Abraham Best, Charles Moores, Joseph Pearcey, Berit Pittman, Captain Joseph Prim and Captain Jack Strong were bestowed the honour for their significant contributions to this country and the Canadian merchant navy.

"The Marine Institute values the significant sacrifice made by the Canadian merchant navy during the Second World War and their unwavering contributions to this country long after the war," said Glenn Blackwood, vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute). "These individuals are deserving of such a prestigious honour and we are proud of their service, as well as their accomplishments."

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne as Queen of Canada. During the year of celebrations, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized for their contributions and achievements to this country.

The Marine Institute fosters a strong relationship with the merchant navy and since 1997 has been home to the Merchant Navy Memorial which commemorates the 333 Newfoundlanders who lost their lives in service to their country.

Each year the institute holds a memorial ceremony around Merchant Navy Veterans Day, to honour the allied merchant navy men and women who fought in the Second World War.