November 3, 2006
Hamilton The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, presented the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation to fourteen outstanding Canadians today during a ceremony at the Ramada Plaza Hotel. The recipients were recognized for their dedication and devotion to Canada's Veterans.
"I am proud to honour these distinguished individuals today, all of whom have contributed so selflessly to keeping alive the sacred memory of Canada's Veterans," said Minister Thompson. "Your generosity, your enthusiasm and your commitment to the cause of remembrance exemplify the highest ideals of duty, service and sacrifice."
The Commendation was presented to the following Canadians:
Paul Aucoin (Borden, Ontario)
George Burrows (Brampton, Ontario)
Jack Cain (London, Ontario)
Reverend Howard Gorle (Hamilton, Ontario)
Duncan Graham (Toronto, Ontario)
John C. Greenfield (Bowmanville, Ontario)
William Harris (Richmond Hill, Ontario)
John Kennedy (Alliston, Ontario)
William Lee (Sudbury, Ontario)
Leonard Proteau (Niagara Falls, Ontario)
Ray Rogers (Sarnia, Ontario)
Fred Skinner (Niagara Falls, Ontario)
Joseph Sullivan (Peterborough, Ontario)
Albert Wallace (Toronto, Ontario)
The Commendation was presented posthumously to the families of Messrs. Clint Bowerman (Espanola, Ontario), Ian Douglas (Toronto, Ontario), Arthur Plumb (Toronto, Ontario) and Roy Rogers (London, Ontario).
"These recipients have made an outstanding contribution to our country and their stories will now help inspire their fellow Canadians to fully appreciate the legacy of our Veterans and the debt owed to them for giving us the peace and freedom we enjoy today," said Minister Thompson.
The Commendation is presented to individuals who have contributed to the care and well-being of Veterans and to the remembrance of their contributions, sacrifices and achievements. It is intended primarily for Veterans, but in rare circumstances may also be awarded to non-Veterans.
The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation consists of a bar, which can be worn above or below official decorations on a Veteran's blazer, a lapel pin for civilian wear and a certificate. Citations for the eighteen recipients are also available upon request.
More information on the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation can be found on the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site at www.vac-acc.gc.ca.
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Media Enquiries:
Janice Summerby Media Relations Advisor Veterans Affairs Canada (613) 992-7468
Richard Roik Special Assistant - Communications Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs (613) 996-4649
All Other Enquiries:information@vac-acc.gc.ca
