Canadians recognized for their exceptional commitment to Veterans

From coast to coast to coast, Canadians have displayed a longstanding commitment to providing volunteer services that improve the well-being of Canadian Veterans and paying tribute to their sacrifices and achievements. (Photo: Canada Remembers/Facebook)

Every November, the service and sacrifice of Veterans is honoured nationwide. From coast to coast to coast, Canadians have displayed a longstanding commitment to providing volunteer services that improve the well-being of Canadian Veterans and paying tribute to their sacrifices and achievements.

This Veterans’ Week, we are happy to recognize Canadians like Stuart Liptay, who has helped organize a variety of commemorative initiatives such as the “Victory Cannon Campaign” and “Joyous Return”, Captain (Retired) Robert Thibeau, who helped found Aboriginal Veterans Autochtones in 1981, and has been an advocate for Indigenous Veterans his entire career and Janice Easton, who has dedicated the last 12 years to helping ensure injured Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans are recognized for their service and commitment to our country.

The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendations recognize individuals who go above and beyond in improving the well-being, care and remembrance of Canada’s Veterans.

Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, hosted a virtual event with the following recipients from across Canada to express his thanks and appreciation for their volunteer service to Canadian Veterans:

• Cummings, James L., Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (Retired), CD, Halifax, NS
• Davis, Harold Francis, Master Corporal (Retired), Cobble Hill, BC
• Feyko, Michael, Greater Lakeburn, NB
• Landry, Edla, Vanscoy, SK
• Liptay, Stuart, Lower Cape, NB
• Thibeau, Robert, Captain (Retired), CD, Kingston, ON
• White, Patrick, Montreal, QC
• Wood, Philip James, Bay Roberts, NL

The Commendation is awarded annually. This fall 68 deserving recipients, from across the country, are being recognized. Nominations for individuals who provide outstanding volunteer service to Veterans are accepted year round and can be made through our website.

Quotes

“During Veterans’ Week our country honours those who have served, both past and present, in times of war, military conflict and peace. While honouring them this November, it is also a true privilege to award the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation to those who do so much for our Veterans. Whether they’re working to improve the day-to-day lives of Veterans and their families or organizing remembrance activities in their communities, it’s vitally important that we thank them for their work.”

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

Quick facts

• The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation was created in 2001 by Warrant of the Governor General and with the approval of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
• Recipients can be nominated by their peers, family members or others.
• The Commendation is intended primarily for Veterans, but non-Veterans may also qualify as recipients.
• The Commendation consists of a certificate, a lapel pin for civilian wear and a bar for wear with decorations.
• The design is a gold maple leaf resting on a red poppy—a flower long associated with the sacrifices of war—and a Royal Crown on the top of the pin.