June 24, 2013
Letter to the Editor: 45e Nord, All Maritime Morning Newstalk Radio, CBC (Power and Politics, Inside Politics, TV), Frontline Magazine, Globe and Mail, National Post, Ottawa Citizen, Times Colonist
To the Editor:
I regret that a lack of clarity and misreporting of a recently released internal order related to the wearing of uniforms after release from active service has resulted in avoidable confusion and insult to veterans.
The Royal Canadian Navy holds veterans in the highest regard and has no intent or authority to limit the wearing of older orders of dress, such as wartime patterns. Historic headdress, medals, and uniforms that are no longer in use are explicitly exempt from our authority. Their use in celebrating previous service and sacrifice should continue and be encouraged.
The intent of the order was simply to inform serving members – and by extension those retired members still affiliated with the RCN through our messes and other organizations under our influence – of the protocols associated with a long-standing regulation about wearing current pattern uniforms, specifically Mess Dress (a formal evening uniform), after retirement. This specific pattern of uniform still exists and is worn by active serving members. It is important therefore to avoid any confusion in identity between those who are on active service and those who are retired and no longer subject to the same rules and expectations as their serving colleagues.
The desired outcome is to have a process that both respects the regulations as well as honours those who are no longer serving.
Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, CMM, CD
Commander RCN
