Ottawa - His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) to General Denis Mercier of the French Air Force, during a private ceremony at Rideau Hall on May 29, 2014.
General Denis Mercier, M.S.M. (French Air Force)
Barclonnette, France
Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division)
Since September 2012, General Denis Mercier has shown leadership and professionalism in strengthening the ties between the French and Canadian air forces. His openness to constructive ideas and the concrete actions he has taken in developing a plan to consolidate the two forces are the basis for our enhanced relations. Through his efforts, General Mercier has brought great credit to his country and the benefits of his work deserve to be recognized by the Canadian Armed Forces and Canada.
For additional information on the Meritorious Service Decorations, please see the attached backgrounder.
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Marie-Pierre Bélanger
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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 Armed 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 Armed 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 Armed 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.
For more information about the Canadian Honours System or to nominate someone,visit our website at www.gg.ca/honours.
