Well-known Newmarket-area Second World War veteran Jim Parks is being recognized with an Ontario Senior Achievement Award.
Parks was one of 20 seniors to be recognized in a special ceremony today with Lt.-Gov. Edith Dumont. Parks took part in storming Juno Beach on D-Day, and has been committed to sharing his stories to keep memories alive since.
“Jim has been relentlessly committed to sharing his stories and keeping the memories alive of other Canadians who fought these battles, ensuring their valuable fight for our freedom is never forgotten,” the province said.
The annual ceremony recognizes noteworthy seniors throughout the province. Recipients are helping improve the lives of Ontarians through community service and humanitarian activities, with recipients partaking in volunteerism, charitable fundraising, advocacy work and more.
Dumont said it is important for Ontarians to learn about what seniors are accomplishing.
“Your achievements show that Ontarians should not only be thinking seniors in terms of the resources and care they need but should also be thinking about the tremendous potential they represent,” she said. “You are living proof that it is never too late to better oneself, and the world around us is also bettered because of you.
Parks, 99, who lives in Mount Albert, has detailed his memories of the war, which he joined after enlisting at age 16. After surviving the war, he spent time with a Winnipeg fire department and then government jobs in Veterans Affairs and then the Department of Manpower and Unemployment.
The ceremony recognized Parks' continued efforts in his senior years. He has spent time travelling and speaking at schools as part of the Royal Canadian Legion. He has also taken part in many veterans’ memory projects and raised more than $20,000 for the Juno Beach Centre.
“His contributions have ensured the vital roles Canadian soldiers have played is remembered and recognized,” the citation for the ceremony said, adding he “has and continued to make an indelible difference in his community, our province, our country and the world.”
Parks received a standing ovation during the ceremony, streamed at the lieutenant governor's suite at Queen's Park.
Minister for Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho said he is inspired by the efforts of seniors.
“They are truly deserving of being recognized and honoured for their hard work, dedication and achievements,” he said. “One is never too old to make a difference in the lives of others.”
The achievement awards have run since 1987, with 696 recipients since then.
Dumont said the example of these seniors is one worth following.
“One day, I hope to be just like you,” she said.
