Canadians receive Commendation for their exceptional commitment to Veterans

From: Veterans Affairs Canada

News release

27 August 2019 – Calgary

Across our country people come forward to serve Canada’s Veterans and honour their sacrifices and achievements. The Government of Canada is committed to recognizing individuals who have gone above and beyond in improving the well‑being, care and remembrance of Veterans.

Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, presented the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation to 15 recipients for their outstanding service to Veterans and their dedication to remembrance:

  • Scott Beaton, Calgary, Alberta
  • Marie Blackburn, Calgary, Alberta
  • Joey Bleviss, Calgary, Alberta
  • Glen (Earl) Giffin, Camrose, Alberta
  • Marie Illingworth, Calgary, Alberta
  • David Ingram, Calgary, Alberta
  • Travis Lanoway, Airdrie, Alberta
  • Anne Lynch, Calgary, Alberta
  • Duncan Mackenzie, Calgary, Alberta
  • Larry O’Neill, Calgary, Alberta
  • P.Y. (Dusty) Rhodes, Calgary, Alberta
  • Cory Schieman, Calgary, Alberta
  • Joyce Stewart, Vegreville, Alberta
  • Lawrence Summers, Edmonton, Alberta
  • Carol Whitehead, Calgary, Alberta

The Commendation is awarded annually to exceptional Canadians who have contributed in a distinguished manner to the care and well‑being of Veterans and/or to the remembrance of the contributions, sacrifices and achievements of Veterans.

Quotes

"This summer we have recognized dozens of Canadians who are committed to serving our Veterans. Today, we acknowledge the tireless work these 15 people from the Prairie provinces have done for our Veterans. They have spearheaded commemoration in their communities and worked to improve our Veterans’ well‑being. The work they have done through their volunteer service is truly appreciated.”

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

Quick facts

  • The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation was created in 2001 by Warrant of the Governor General and with the approval of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

  • Recipients can be nominated by their peers, family members or others.

  • The Commendation is intended primarily for Veterans, but non‑Veterans may also qualify as recipients.

  • The Commendation consists of a certificate, a lapel pin for civilian wear and a bar for wear with decorations.

  • The design is a gold maple leaf resting on a red poppy—a flower long associated with the sacrifices of war—and a Royal Crown on the top of the pin.

Associated links

Contacts

Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
vac.media-medias.acc@canada.ca

John Embury
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
john.embury@canada.ca

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