Rough Rider Get A New Colonel
Another colonel is added to rough riders through The Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award.
Chief Justice Gerald Vandewalle selected as the recipient of ND most prestigious award has been serving on the ND Supreme Court for 36 years with numerous accomplishments.
North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple said, “There is no one more deserving of this prestigious award than Gerald Vandewalle.”
When you serve over 2 decades as North Dakota’s chief justice, it’s maybe just a matter of time before you get the state’s highest honor.
And time is something Gerald VandeWalle has given the state. He’s 81 years old and still serving. In fact he’s the nation’s longest serving chief justice.
He was speechless when he accepted his award.
Chief Justice Gerald Vandewalle said, “I still can’t believe it, I’m usually not at a loss for words but I am now.”
Among playing a role in unifying the court system and redefining the judicial districts he has made an impact in the states court systems. His cohorts say he has brought honor to the state.
North Dakota Justice Dale Sandstrom said, “Gerald Vandewalle has pursued his greater goals with graciousness and humility inspiring all of us to be better than ourselves.”
“In his numerous accomplishments he will leave a lasting legacy on our state court system and the state of North Dakota,” said Governor Dalrymple.
When asked if they thought twice about Vandewalle receiving the award One Legislator had a confident response.
Reprentative Bob Martinson said, “The only thing I wonder is why I didn’t think of awarding it for him.”
Judge Vandewalle portrait will now be on display alongside other North Dakotans who have brought honor in the state.
Vandewalle concluded on a more serious note focusing on the system that he loves.
“This is all been great but if it hasn’t resulted in an increase respect for rule of law and for more trusting and confidence in the North Dakota judicial system then I’ve been a miserable failure thank you,” said Vandewalle.
Vandewalle is the 41st recipient of the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award.
