S.S. KEEWATIN: MERCHANT NAVY VETERANS' DAY OF OBSERVANCE, PORT MCNICOLL, ONTARIO, CANADA, SEPTEMBER 8, 2019
“Approaching the day of the commemoration of the sacrifices of the Canadian Merchant Navy, in the name of the Holy Father, I wish to assure you and all the present members, of a special remembrance in his prayers for the souls of the men and women who lost their lives serving their countries in the Allied Merchant Navy during the Second World War.
"Commemorating the 70th anniversary of [World War II], Pope Francis expressed the wish and the hope that the entire human family, learning from the tragedies of the past and faced with the current conflicts around the world "may persevere in the search for the common good and in promotion of a culture of peace" (General Audience - May 6, 2015)."
"As an Island Nation, we in the United Kingdom still depend heavily on the great trade routes of the sea. … During the Second World War, that vital lifeline came very near to being severed. The stark courage of the sailors of the Merchant Navy should never be forgotten, and I write to assure you of my prayers of thankfulness for all that our forebears and elders achieved, despite their great suffering."
– The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury
(21 July 2017)
“The Merchant Navy played a vital role in the Second World War, stepping up to deliver troops, ammunition, goods, tanks, airplanes, fuel, boots, and more to the Allied forces in Europe. Their contributions to the war effort came at a tremendously high cost; one in seven mariners serving aboard merchant ships died in the line of duty. We owe them a debt of gratitude and must never forget their heroism and their sacrifices.”
– Hon. Senator Joseph A. Day (Saint John–Kennebecasis, New Brunswick)
“Several thousand New Zealand civilians proudly served in the Merchant Navy during the Second World War. These volunteers played a vital role in the Allied war effort. It was a tough and dangerous job. We will not forget their service and their sacrifice.”
– H.E. Daniel Mellsop, High Commissioner of New Zealand
“The men and women of the Canadian Merchant Navy showed tremendous bravery as they faced life–threatening conditions in support of the Allied forces in Europe. As we mark Merchant Navy Veterans Day we thank them, and encourage all Canadians to never forget the critical role the Merchant Navy played during the First and Second World Wars.”
– W.J. Natynczyk, General (Retired), Deputy Minister, Veterans Affairs Canada
S.S. KEEWATIN, PORT MCNICOLL, ONTARIO, CANADA, TODAY – Mr. Stéphane Ouellette, President and CEO, Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP), joined Mrs. Wanita Stapleton, Guest of Honour; Mr. Eric Conroy, President and CEO, Friends of Keewatin; Mr. Phil DeBruyne, on behalf of the Hon. Bruce Stanton, MP Simcoe North; the Hon. Jill Dunlop, MPP Simcoe North; Mr. Ted Walker, Mayor of Tay Township; Legion Members; the general public; and, more in remembering the sacrifices and contributions made by the Canadian Merchant Navy during World War One, World War Two, Korea, and Vietnam.
During World War TWo, more than 12,000 Seamen served in Canada’s Merchant Navy, which was popularly referred to as the unofficial fourth arm of the Allied Forces. Yet, inexplicably, veterans were denied a pension and recognition of service by successive federal governments for more than half a century. Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans were not officially recognized as veterans until 1992. They finally received compensation in 2000.
The Merchant Navy Veterans Day Act (S.C. 2003, c. 17), which received Royal Assent on 19 June 2003, established the third day of September each year as "Merchant Navy Veterans Day." This victory was the result of efforts of veterans such as Merchant Navy Seamen Jack Stapleton and his wife Wanita (from Wasaga Beach, Ontario), in addition to the people from the Town of Collingwood. MN Veteran Jack Stapleton sadly passed away in 2013.
Friends of Keewatin was the host of this observance, working in conjunction with the MNCTP, and in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Legion – Branch 80 – Midland, Midland Pipes and Drums, and Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (286) Trillium – Midland.
MEDIA GALLERY
THE LAST POST PLAYED FROM THE MIZZENMAST OF THE S.S. KEEWATIN
HON. JILL DUNLOP, MPP SIMCOE NORTH, SPEAKS TO THOSE ASSEMBLED
MRS. WANITA STAPLETON, WIDOW OF MERCHANT NAVY VETERAN JACK STAPLETON, AND
MR. DON WARD, ARMED FORCES VETERAN, PREPARE TO LAY THE WREATH
FROM THE BOW OF THE S.S. KEEWATIN
AMAZING GRACE PLAYED FROM THE TOP DECK OF THE S.S. KEEWATIN
RETIRING OF COLOURS
Quick Facts
- The S.S. Keewatin transported passengers and freight on a two–and–a–half day journey across the Great Lakes between railheads, from Port McNicoll on Georgian Bay to Fort William and Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay) on Lake Superior.
- The S.S. Keewatin is integral to the history of the Canadian west. These ships provided an invaluable transportation link for new Canadians to Alberta and Saskatchewan during the late 19th century, and for tourism well into the 20th century.
- The S.S. Keewatin was retired in 1965, and was saved from the wrecker's torch by a US couple, who towed her to their marina in Michigan to serve as a museum. The Edwardian Ship was returned to her home port of Port McNicoll by a Canadian entrepreneur in 2012.
S.S. KEEWATIN: STEEL & STEAM MEMORABILIA ALBUM LAUNCHED
AT THE ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM
OCTOBER 20, 2019
The launch of the S.S. Keewatin: Steel & Steam Memorabilia Album follows this year’s 80th Anniversary of Merchant Navy/Marine WWII Commemorations, held at the S.S. Keewatin, in the Heart of Georgian Bay, on September 8, 2019. This event fell under the auspices of the Merchant Navy Veterans Day Act, enacted by Parliament in 2003. Canada officially recognizes this date each year as September 3. This day is also officially recognized by Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand.
RALLYING TO SAVE THE SS KEEWATIN
Excerpt from the support letter from the MNCTP to Senator Peter Harder, February 10, 2020:
"In this way, we are hoping that you will use your influence to encourage your colleagues, departments, and agencies to support our vision for the preservation of the historic S.S. Keewatin. In addition, we wish her to be recognized as a monument to our Merchant Navy/Marine Veterans that were integral to the Allied victory in both World Wars. As you may know, there are several organizations concerned with the preservation of our history, heritage, and cultural identity, and we have been working to strengthen the solidarity among us. The Senate of Canada has been vital to our success.
"The support and brotherhood of our government members is critical to the fulfillment of these efforts. Your support, and that of other offices of government, will allow us to maintain the S.S. Keewatin Merchant Navy Day ceremony, and to focus on ensuring that each year’s event will increase awareness of the appreciation of the Merchant Navy’s contribution to the lifestyle available to us today. It will also help Canadians recognize that you and The Senate of Canada helped to build, grow, and encourage the inclusion of these people in the community of services that allow us to be recognized as one of the most accepting, free, and democratic countries in the world.
"In closing, I leave you with a quote from President Abraham Lincoln that expresses my message perfectly. It is as follows:
“Honour to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honour also to
the citizen who cares for his brother in the field, and serves, as best he can, the same cause.”
– Stéphane Ouellette, President and CEO, Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP)
Associated Links
- SS Keewatin: Great Lakes Museum (Kingston, Ontario, Canada)
- A hard-earned history preserved | CollingwoodToday.ca | April 20, 2018 |
- As their ranks rapidly dwindle, Canada's aging merchant navy veterans worry their story may be lost (article on MN Veteran Jack Stapleton) | National Post | September 16, 2012 |
- Merchant Mariner Veterans sail into the sunset with a few good stories | Toronto Star | September 12, 2012 |
Contact Info
Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP)
Stéphane Ouellette
President and CEO
Email: ouellettes@rogers.com
Website: www.alliedmerchantnavy.com
