July 5, 2010
OTTAWA—Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, announces the award of one Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) to Colonel Jean-Michel Désiré Verney of the French army. On behalf of the Governor General, the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Walter Natynczyk, presented the insignia to Colonel Verney during a ceremony at National Defence Headquarters on July 5, 2010.
Colonel Verney’s citation follows. For additional information on the Meritorious Service Decorations, please see Annex A.
Colonel Jean-Michel Désiré Verney, M.S.M.
Paris, France
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Colonel Verney demonstrated exceptional devotion and professionalism in his duties as defence attaché to the Embassy of France in Ottawa, from 2006 to 2010. Canada benefited greatly from his vast experience and knowledge, thereby increasing military cooperation between our two countries. By organizing a wide range of educational projects for a number of Canadian students, as well as commemorative activities for past and present Canadian soldiers, he undeniably contributed to strengthening the ties of friendship between France and Canada.
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Media information:
Annabelle Cloutier
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-993-8158
acloutier@gg.ca
www.gg.ca
Department of National Defence Media Liaison Office
1-866-377-0811
613-996-2353
The Meritorious Service Decorations include a military division and a civil division, with two levels each: a medal and a cross. The military division recognizes individuals for their outstanding professionalism and for bringing honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada. The civil division recognizes individuals who have performed an exceptional deed or an activity that brought honour to the community or to Canada.
The Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division) recognizes a military deed or activity that has been performed in an outstandingly professional manner, according to a rare high standard that brings considerable benefit or great honour to the Canadian Forces.
The Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) recognizes a military deed or activity performed in a highly professional manner, according to a very high standard that brings benefit or honour to the Canadian Forces.
These decorations are an important part of the Canadian Honours System, which recognizes excellence. Meritorious Service Decorations honour either a single achievement or an activity over a specified period. The Meritorious Service Decorations are open to both Canadians and non-Canadians.
Anyone may nominate an individual for the civil division of the Meritorious Service Decorations, while military candidates are recommended by the Chief of the Defence Staff. Nominations and awards may be made posthumously, but nominations for activities that occurred prior to June 1984, the year in which the honour was first created, are not accepted.
