Poilievre Honours Defenders of Freedom with Diamond Jubilee Medals

February 13, 2013
Poilievre Honours Defenders of Freedom with Diamond Jubilee Medals

Manotick, ON — On February 12, Pierre Poilievre, Member of Parliament for Nepean-Carleton, hosted a ceremony at the Manotick Legion honouring five individuals with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. These people have contributed to protecting our freedom through military service to Canada.

“Our commitment to Canada is strengthened when we collectively recognize those who distinguish themselves by virtue of their talents, generosity and service to our communities and country,” said Poilievre. “These individuals have contributed to protecting Canada’s freedom in numerous ways, both here and abroad.”

Ivan Wyman, the former President of the Greely Legion, was selected as a recipient for his work in increasing the profile of the branch in the surrounding community. During his ten years as president, Mr. Wyman was instrumental in improving the facility by contributing his time, knowledge and resources, including arranging to have hundreds of loads of landfill brought to the Legion in order to have the grounds leveled. As a result of this work, the facility was transformed into the recreational facility it is today. He has also been responsible for promoting the rental of the facility to help community organizations and sustain the branch.

James Duquette was recognized for his contribution to the creation of an important piece of legislation, Bill C-13: Fairness for Military Families Act. This Act now allows military parents to defer parental benefits if they are operationally deployed away from their family. Mr. Duquette is a Major with the Canadian Forces, coming to Ottawa in 2005 where he soon became heavily involved with his community. He sat on the Osgoode Village Community Association, was a leader within the local Scout community and helped local charities as often as he could.

As a retired Sergeant with the Canadian Forces, David Palmer was selected for his continuous advocacy for Veterans across the country. He has been working tirelessly on an initiative for a new medal to officially recognize all veterans for their service to Canada. As a member of the Barrhaven Legion, and Past President of the Rotary Club of Arnprior, he has demonstrated his commitment both to his community and his fellow veterans. He is also responsible for educating local legionnaires about the Veterans’ Bill of Rights.

Audrey Renton was awarded her medal for her painstaking work in archiving the names and accomplishments of all Rideau area war veterans. Ms. Renton is a veteran herself, and a war bride who came to Canada in 1946. As a Sergeant with the Royal Air Force, she was responsible for the physical training of air women. She has been a member of the Manotick Legion for the past ten years. She also volunteers for organizations like the Anglican Church, the Kars Women’s Institute, the Kars Recreation Association and of course, the Manotick Legion.

Frank Laturnus was nominated for his service with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Now retired, Mr. Laturnus was a Chief Warrant Officer and technical instructor for 17 years. He has been recognized for his numerous military contributions to Canada. He even survived a helicopter crash landing in 1964 while in Germany. Upon his return to Canada, he was transferred to CFB Uplands where he became mayor of the military community from 1975 to 1977. Mr. Laturnus is the Past President of the Manotick Legion and recently became a Life Member at that branch.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to celebrate Her Majesty’s accession to the Throne 60 years ago. This commemorative medal is a tangible and lasting way to pay tribute to 60,000 Canadians whose achievements have benefited their fellow citizens, their community, their organization and the country. It provides an opportunity to look back and honour those who helped make Canada what it is today, and to look forward and recognize youth who are actively involved in our country’s future.