Mayor Mark Sutcliffe was joined by special guests this week to commemorate the late Major (Ret’d) Gerald (Gerry) Stanley Wharton by naming an Ottawa street in his honour.
This tribute is made possible through the City’s Commemorative Street Naming for Veterans Program, a partnership with the City, Veterans Affairs Canada, The Royal Canadian Legion and local developers.
The Mayor was joined by Elder Verna McGregor of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation; Councillor Glen Gower; Councillor-elect Chelsea Walton, in whose ward the new street will be located; Jada Goodman, Project Coordinator, Land Development, Caivan Homes; and members of the Wharton family.
Gerry Wharton’s life was defined by service, remembrance and a devotion to Canada and its veterans. His legacy continues through the countless ceremonies, memorials and traditions he helped shape, and through the generations of Canadians he inspired to remember those who served and sacrificed for our country.
Gerry’s dedication to honouring veterans was shaped by his own service. He proudly served for 32 years in the Canadian Armed Forces with the 1st Battalion, The Canadian Guards and the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
Following his retirement from the military, Gerry began a distinguished second career as Chief of Ceremonial and Protocol Services with the Department of Public Works, where he provided expertise on ceremonial protocol for countless official national events and ceremonies, including Royal Tours and the Olympic Games.
Contributing to the creation of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was one of his proudest achievements. Through his military service and later veteran’s advocacy work, Gerry worked tirelessly to honour the Canadian service members who made the ultimate sacrifice, a commitment reflected in his work on the monument.
You can read more about Major Wharton’s story here: A legacy of remembrance: commemorating Major Gerry Wharton.