News Article

College employee receives national recognition


1/10/2003 1:19:34 PM


Davis receives the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation from Veterans Affairs Minister Dr. Rey Pagtakhan

January 10, 2003 -- Jim Davis of Stephenville, Newfoundland has been awarded the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. Davis and 24 others made up the first group to be honoured with this newly created national commendation at the fifth annual Ceremony of Remembrance in Ottawa on November 7, 2002.

The commendation was created in 2002 to recognize those citizens who have “made such exemplary contributions through selfless service as a distinguished representative of Canadian Veterans, and by generously sharing their legacy of sacrifice with fellow citizens, especially Canada’s youth, so that the memory of those who fought and died for our peace might never dim.”

Davis, a Program Development Coordinator at College of the North Atlantic Headquarters in Stephenville, and the only recipient of the commendation from Newfoundland and Labrador, has devoted 32 years to working with youth through the Air Cadet League of Canada, and has worked tirelessly with the Royal Canadian Legion for some 30 years in a variety of volunteer roles ranging from local branch president, provincial president, and as a member of the Legion’s national body known as the Dominion Executive Council. After 30 years, he is still involved, and has come full circle to the local branch in Stephenville.

This was the second prestigious award that Davis received in 2002. In May, he was presented with an honourary life membership award for his devotion to adult education in the province by The Newfoundland and Labrador Association for Adult Education (NLAAE) at its Annual General Meeting and Conference in Gander.

He began his service with the Legion after completing a tour with the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1968, his Commanding Officer role with the 708 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in 1975, and his Administration Officer function as a founding officer with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment’s militia unit, C COY.

“Because of my military connection, I wanted to do what I could to stress the importance of remembrance,” says Davis.

“Remembrance is the key cornerstone of the Legion’s mandate and programs.”

The Royal Canadian Legion was originally founded in 1926 to respond to the needs of returning servicemen. It quickly became an advocate for the welfare of returning soldiers and sailors, as well as a support group providing solidarity for the survivors of the war. When Davis became involved, times were a little different than they are now.

“The Legion was originally made up of veterans of World War I , II, and Korea. We actually had approximately 15 World War I veterans here in Stephenville when I was Branch President in the mid 80’s,” he says.

“Now there aren’t many ‘traditional’ vets left. Instead we are seeing a new breed of veterans who are actively serving their country in different types of military action.”

With time, the scope of The Royal Canadian Legion broadened to include issues of remembrance, veteran welfare, senior welfare, and youth and community involvement. This is where Davis has made a major contribution. He developed and had several College of the North Atlantic students help design the Royal Canadian Legion Provincial Command Website. It includes a tribute to the 1916 battle of Beaumont Hamel in France, with historical information, photos, and personal diaries of some who fought in the 1st Newfoundland Regiment. He is also working to take this tribute a step further.

There exists in Beaumont Hamel, an Interpretation Centre which exhibits memorabilia pertaining to the battle. Davis, who is a founding member of “The Friends of Beaumont Hamel Society”, is hoping to have a replica of the centre established in Newfoundland.

“There is a uniform in the exhibit which was worn by George Hicks – a Captain in the 1st Newfoundland Regiment – who fought and was wounded in the battle,” says Davis.

“The uniform will obviously stay in France, but perhaps detailed photos of it and other digital versions of the items there could be incorporated into an exhibit here.”

Some suggested sites for the exhibit are Bowring Park, Memorial University, or the Pleasantville training grounds for the regiment – all in St. John’s – from where the regiment departed for the war.

Davis is among some 700 Canadians who were initially nominated for their devotion to Canadian Veterans. To be one of the 25 chosen for the newly created award is very special, he says.

“This national commendation is a unique award and it was a humbling experience to sit on the floor of the Senate in the nation’s capital among such illustrious people – many of whom fought in these wars.”

Lest we forget.

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