NR - 12.202 - October 3, 2012
VALCARTIER, Que. - During a ceremony held today at the Valcartier Garrison, General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), presented 24 insignia for Mention in Dispatches, 6 Sacrifice Medals, 2 Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medals and 9 CDS Commendation insignia to Canadian Forces (CF) members. Recipients, coming from across the country, were acknowledged for their bravery, exemplary actions, and commitment to service to Canada.
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, applauded these worthy recipients.
“Our government is dedicated to recognizing the significant work Canadian Forces members do everyday, at home and abroad,” said Minister MacKay. “The recipients of these honours and awards have, on a daily basis, served Canada with great integrity and committed themselves to the safety and security of our great nation.”
“I was extremely honoured to be able to present these awards to such deserving members of the Canadian Forces. Their courage, sacrifice, and perseverance in some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable serves as a source of inspiration for those of us who serve in the Canadian Forces,” said General Natynczyk. “We can all be very proud of what these fine men and women have accomplished while serving their country. Through their deeds, they have truly shown us what right looks like.”
A Mention in Dispatches is a national honour awarded to CF members for valiant conduct, devotion to duty, or other distinguished service. Recipients are entitled to wear a bronze oak leaf on the appropriate campaign or service medal ribbon.
The Sacrifice Medal is presented to honour CF personnel who have been wounded in action or who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of Canada.
The Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. This medal serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. A total of 11 000 medals were allocated to recognize the achievements of CF members.
Lastly, the CDS Commendation recognizes deeds or activities of a CF member beyond the demands of normal duty.
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Notes to editor / news director:
A list of all recipients can be found at the following link: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=4434.
For more information on Canadian Forces honours and recognition, please visit the Directorate of Honours and Recognition website at: http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhr-ddhr/index-eng.asp.
For more information on the Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, please visit the Governor General of Canada website at: http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=14019&lan=eng.
