Major Gladys Osmond, retired Salvation Army pastor and John Perlin, chair of The Salvation Army’s Advisory Board in St. John’s, N.L, were among nine Newfoundlanders to receive the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador at Government House last week.
The Order is the province’s highest honour that recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence and achievement in their field and have made a lasting contribution to the province.
Major Osmond, who lives in Springdale, was honoured for her work to boost Canadian Forces soldiers’ morale.
The former teacher and Salvation Army clergy has been sending them thousands of letters a year since she retired two decades ago.
“She is an outstanding example of the Newfoundland and Labrador spirit of service before self,” said Premier Danny Williams. John Perlin received the order for his work with more than 50 charitable organizations and national and community groups such as Wildlife Habitat Canada, The Fluvarium, The Vera Perlin Society and The Royal St. John’s Regatta. ”(His) lifelong legacy of community and charitable service is absolutely formidable,” Williams said.
“He has touched the lives of literally hundreds of thousands of our people.”
The inductees were chosen by an advisory council from a group of 133 nominees.