Nine Ontarians are being recognized for their contributions in service to Canada’s Veterans, including a Bonfield resident.
Lieutenant(N) Jean-Marc Leblond receives the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation for his support of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Royal Canadian Naval Association (RCNA) as well the promotion of the well-being of Veterans.
“Lt(N) Leblond is an integral part of the RCNA’s planning committee for the commemoration of the Battle of the Atlantic in North Bay,” reads his nomination. “He also helps plan the Remembrance Day parade by assisting with the set up/tear down of displays, staging area for Veterans and on occasion act as the Sergeant-at-Arms for the ceremony. He also coordinates the participation of local cadets corps in the parade and ceremony.”
The nomination also says Lt(N) Leblond has used annual leave to organize Veterans’ appreciation dinners and fundraisers for the local Legion branch and the RCNA.
“The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation is the highest honour I can bestow and I am extremely grateful for the wide and varying array of volunteer work they’ve undertaken,” says Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. “The quiet community work done by people who don’t expect to be recognized for what they do is what really makes a difference. And for me, it’s even more important when it’s helping and honouring the folks who’ve served our country.”
The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation was created in 2001 with close to 1,200 people receiving the award since then.
