On 22 November 2022, seven Cadets from Warsash Maritime Academy attended Trinity House, London, to take part in the Merchant Navy Medal Ceremony which celebrates seafarers from across the world who perform extraordinary duties.
Stephen Strowger, a Carnival UK Cadet, (pictured above far left) was one of the seven, and spoke at the event. He shared with us what it meant to be part of such a significant ceremony.
“The Merchant Navy was granted a state award in 2016 by Queen Elizabeth II, ‘The Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service’. Since then 119 awards have been made for the valued service of seafarers for various deeds such as lifesaving, captaining ships in diversity, championing diversity, mentoring cadets, promoting maritime careers, seafarers’ rights, services to retired seafarers, and promoting safety.
“As Cadets in our first year of training it was of great honour to be nominated to take part in the celebration ceremony which was led by the Minister for Shipping. Members of Trinity House, Carnival UK and RFA cadets attended and we presented the Red Ensign (the flag flown by all British Merchant Navy ships), formed an Honour Guard to escort guests and award winners, and, as future officers, represented the future of the Merchant Navy.
” I was extremely proud to represent Carnival UK Cadets in front of such an esteemed audience, and to also deliver a speech on the history of the Merchant Navy.”
“The awards were wide and truly diverse, a credit to the purpose of the award, and it was a privilege to meet the award winners and their families to learn more about the challenges they’d experienced and overcome. One thing was common; no one had asked for recognition, it was purely an inbuilt drive to make things better for others.
“As seafarers, their example should be for us all. They are the visionaries that make our industry a better place, to make a future for further generations and to ensure legacies are built to ensure every person has an opportunity, however small. Everyone should look to make changes, to stand up and speak up, and think about future generations in our actions.”
