Erratum: L'auteur de l'article aurait dû noter que Jacques était en fait un vétéran de la GRC et que les FC, avaient servi 20 ans + avec la GRC et 12+ ans avec les FC ... et que son temps de bénévolat avait plus de 35 ans.
Retired captain honoured for meritorious service
Article by Gregg Chamberlain of EAP:
Photo From RMC Club Website
A Rockland resident will receive one of the greatest honours of his life later this year when he is summoned to Rideau Hall. “This is a confirmation of years of working,” said Jacques J. Gagné, “and also of doing other things from the sidelines.”
The retired captain of the Canadian Armed Forces referred to his nomination for the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. The Office of the Secretary of the Governor General had contacted him about his nomination earlier in the season but the official announcement was not made until the morning of Canada Day, though Gagné was permitted to speak to media beforehand on condition that all news of his nomination remain secret until July 1. “I was surprised,” Gagné said, regarding his initial reaction when told of his nomination.
The Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers is awarded to those who have provided outstanding community service in their field. Gagné’s nomination highlights his work since 2004, providing support service for military families through the Royal Military College Club of Canada and through the Royal Military College Foundation. Gagné, now retired after more than 35 years with the Armed Forces [actually Jacques confirmed that he has 20+ years with the RCMP and 12+ years in the CF, and 35 years + volunteering], considers himself “very fortunate” at having a chance to service not just country but also others who have given of themselves for Canada. Even now, in retirement, Gagné continues to volunteer his time for various professional organizations and alumni groups related to the military. “There’s always something to do,” he said, adding that he enjoys going out for walks to relax, along with reading He also enjoys travelling when he has the opportunity. For now, he continues with his various volunteer activities, dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic situation like everyone else, and waiting for his official summons to Rideau Hall to receive his service medal from the hands of Governor General Julia Payette herself.
“I am thankful for receiving this award,” he said. “This is a prestigious honour.”
Description de la médaille
La Médaille du souverain pour les bénévoles est une médaille en argent, de forme ronde et d’un diamètre de 36 mm, munie d’un anneau de suspension. Sur l’avers figure l’effigie contemporaine du souverain entourée de la mention de son titre royal canadien en lettres majuscules et du mot « CANADA », séparés par deux feuilles d’érable.
Le revers illustre la compassion et la générosité, représentées par les deux cœurs entrelacés. Les rayons symbolisent le temps que donnent les bénévoles, ainsi que leurs actions. Le ruban utilise les couleurs vice-royales, le bleu et l’or. Les cinq bandes dorées évoquent les doigts de la main, qui figurent sur l’emblème du Prix du gouverneur général pour l’entraide, tandis que le rouge foncé est associé à la royauté.
Le dessin de la médaille a été réalisé par l’Autorité héraldique du Canada, à partir d’un concept de Darcy DeMarsico de la Chancellerie des distinctions honorifiques. La médaille est fabriquée par la Monnaie royale canadienne, dans ses installations d’Ottawa.
Description of Sovereigns Medal for Volunteers
The Medal for Volunteers consists of a silver circular medal that is 36 mm in diameter with a suspension ring. The obverse depicts a contemporary effigy of the Sovereign, circumscribed with the inscription in capital letters of the Canadian Royal Title and the word “CANADA”, separated by two maple leaves.
The reverse indicates the ideas of caring and generosity, represented by two interlaced hearts. The sunburst pattern of the rim symbolizes the time that volunteers are giving and their actions. The ribbon uses the viceregal colours of blue and gold. The five gold stripes evoke the fingers of a hand, present in the Caring Canadian Award emblem, while the deep red colour is associated with royalty. The design of medal was created by the Canadian Heraldic Authority, based on a concept by Darcy DeMarsico of the Chancellery of Honours.
The medal is manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint at its Ottawa facility.
From the Governor-General’s website - https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/canadian-honours/sovereigns-medal-volunteers/description-medal