RCAF member receives Meritorious Service Medal
News Article / October 6, 2016
From Rideau Hall
Major Stéphann Grégoire, a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force, received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) on the morning of October 5, 2016.
Governor General David Johnston presented the decoration during a ceremony held at the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle in Québec City.
More than 60 Canadians were recognized during two ceremonies for their excellence, courage or exceptional dedication to service with one of the following honours: an Order of Merit of the Police Forces, a Decoration for Bravery, a Meritorious Service Decoration, a Polar Medal or a Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.
Major Grégoire, who hails from Montreal, Quebec, currently works at 1 Canadian Air Division, which is headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His citation reads as follows:
The other recipients of the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) were eight members of the Royal Canadian Navy who battled a catastrophic and potentially fatal engine room fire on board Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Protecteur in February 2014.
“Today, we recognize hard-working police officers; brave Canadians; military personnel and civilians; experts on Canada’s North; and generous volunteers,” said the Governor General. “All of you are great Canadians, making this a better country, one day at a time, one remarkable act at a time. Canadians join me in saying thank you for your compassion, for your excellence, for your sacrifices.
“These honours—but more importantly, your actions—inspire others to get involved in their communities. What you’ve done has a remarkable side effect, as when a drop of dye is added to a glass of water. The effect is transformative.
“Your actions encourage us to strive for greater things and to pursue excellence.”
The Governor General presents honours on behalf of all Canadians in communities across the country to help share inspiring stories, celebrate tremendous contributions to our society and connect with Canadians. From community volunteers to astronauts, from actors to members of the military, from scholars to everyday citizens, hundreds of Canadians earn our applause and gratitude.
The Meritorious Service Decorations celebrate Canadians who have performed an exceptional deed or activity that brings honour to Canada. The decorations are separated into military and civil divisions, with two levels each: a cross and a medal.
The Military Division recognizes a military deed or activity that has been performed in a highly professional manner or of a very high standard that brings benefit or honour to the Canadian Armed Forces and to Canada.
The Civil Division recognizes remarkable contributions in many different fields of endeavour, from advocacy initiatives and health care services, to research and humanitarian efforts. The contributions can be innovative, set an example for others to follow, or improve the quality of life of a community.