VICE–ADMIRAL (RETIRED) MARK NORMAN, CMM, CD, 2019 RECIPIENT OF THE COLONEL JOHN GARDAM LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD SEPTEMBER 15, 2021
VICE–ADMIRAL (RETIRED) MARK NORMAN, CMM, CD, 2019 RECIPIENT OF THE COLONEL JOHN GARDAM LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
SEPTEMBER 15, 2021
Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, Commander, Royal Canadian Navy, at the 2013 Merchant Navy Day of Remembrance Ceremony: Special Address to Allied Merchant Navy Veterans, Parliamentarians, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, and Senior Government Officials (Lord Elgin Hotel, Ottawa, ON, Canada).
(From Left): Mr. Royal Galipeau, MP for Orléans , and Chair, House of Commons Committee on Veterans Affairs; Senator Joseph A. Day representing the Senate of Canada; Mr. Bruce Ferguson, President, Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association (CMNVA); Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, Commander, Royal Canadian Navy; Bgen Karl McQuillan, Commander, Canadian Army; and, Colonel Paul Dittmann, Commander, Royal Canadian Air Force, attending the 2014 Merchant Navy Veterans Day ceremony (National War Memorial, Ottawa, ON, Canada).
"It is a great honour for me to receive this award, and I’m humbled to be associated with such an iconic leader as Colonel John Gardam as well as the previous recipients”
– Mark Norman, RCN, CMM, CD, Vice-Admiral, Retired
“VAdm Mark Norman’s extraordinary military career, his dedication to duty, superb leadership, resolute courage and impeccable integrity, made his selection for the Colonel John Gardam Lifetime Achievement Award a straightforward choice. VAdm Norman reflects the consummate example of Colonel Gardam, and highlights and showcases his remarkable achievements of such an outstanding individual. This acts as a lasting thank you for exemplary deeds.”
– Stéphane Ouellette, Founder & President, Colonel John Gardam Lifetime Achievement Award Institute
OTTAWA, TODAY–Mr. Stéphane Ouellette, Founder and President, Colonel John Gardam Lifetime Achievement Award Institute, announced Vice–Admiral (Ret’d) Mark Norman, CMM, CD, as the 2019 recipient of the Colonel John Gardam Lifetime Achievement Award.
His outstanding character, service and achievements exemplify the qualities of this prestigious award, and he joins the august company of previous recipients. On February 20, 2015, the award was presented on its inauguration to Vice–Admiral Ron Buck, RCN (Ret’d), former Chief of the Maritime Staff, and Vice–Chief of the Defence Staff. On February 17, 2017, General (Ret’d) Walter Natynczyk, CMM, MSC, CD, former Chief of the Defence Staff and former Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada, became the second recipient of this recognition. Both awards were presented at the CDA [Conference of Defence Associations]/CDA Institute Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence.
The Colonel John Gardam Lifetime Achievement Award was created to recognize excellence in character, loyalty, and exceptionally meritorious achievements during and after military service to Queen and country. It is intended to pay tribute to our gallant sailors, soldiers, airmen, and airwomen that are the very heart and soul of the people, and the spirit of nations. With an aim of highlighting and showcasing the remarkable achievements and continuing accomplishments of our men and women in uniform, this award stands as an official and expression of gratitude to those who place their lives in danger in the defence of their country.
This award celebrates the life achievements of Colonel (Ret’d) John Gardam, OC, OMM, MSM, CD, who spent a lifetime serving Canada and Canadian Veterans. He was instrumental in the creation of “The Reconciliation”, Canada’s National Peacekeeping Monument and the addition of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to the National War Memorial. Colonel Gardam was also a noted author of several books that capture Veterans’ first–hand experiences from the First World War to 1990s Peacekeeping. Among his many accolades, Colonel Gardam was awarded the Order of Canada, by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada in 2012, and was also named to the Honourary Board of Governors of the Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project.
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Contact Info
Colonel John Gardam Lifetime Achievement Award Institute
Stéphane Ouellette
Founder/President
E-mail: ouellettes@rogers.com
