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I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mrs. Joyce
Samms of Port aux Basques on becoming one of seven
Newfoundland and Labrador recipients of the Minister of
Veterans Affairs Commendation. The award was presented
at a special ceremony held at the Fairmont on Friday,
December 12.
The Commendation is awarded annually to individuals
who have contributed in an exemplary manner to the care
and well-being of veterans or to the remembrance of
contributions, sacrifices and achievements of veterans.
In April of 2001, Her Majesty the Queen approved the
design of a special bar to be worn with decorations to
be known as the Minister of Veterans Affairs
Commendation. The Commendation consists of a
certificate, a lapel pin for civilian wear and a bar for
wear with decorations. The design is a gold maple leaf
resting on a red poppy, a flower long associated with
the sacrifices of war, with the Royal Crown on the top
of the pin.
Mrs. Samms was born in Yorkshire, England in 1923.
She served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service in
England during World War II, which is where she met her
late husband, Frederick Samms, who was also serving in
the Navy. They moved to Newfoundland in 1952 and a few
years later she became a member of the Royal Canadian
Legion. She was the only female member at Branch 11 at
that time. She has served in a variety of roles for many
years such as president, secretary, poppy chair, honours
and awards chair, and she is currently the membership
chair.
Mrs. Samms also organizes Remembrance Day school
programs each year and is guest speaker at the local
schools. She was the first woman elected as District
Commander and the first woman to be elected Provincial
President. Mrs. Samms has received the Meritorious
Service Medal and the Palm Leaf, which is the legion’s
highest honour. She is also a recipient of the Queen’s
Jubilee Medal.
I recently had the honour of attending Mrs. Samms
eighty-fifth birthday celebrations at the Royal Canadian
Legion in Port aux Basques. Mrs. Samms is still a very
active, capable lady who continues her good work with
the legion. Her husband, Fred, died in 1999 but their
two daughters, Judith and Kathleen still reside in Port
aux Basques and are quite close to their mom.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members of this House to join
with me in extending congratulations to Mrs. Joyce Samms
on receiving this prestigious award. All the best to
Mrs. Samms and her family.
Thank you. |
