On July 27, 2011, the Minister of Veterans Affairs for Canada awarded 19 citizens his annual commendation. Traditionally, the award is “presented to those veterans … who, in an exemplary way, have contributed either to the care and well-being of veterans or to the remembrance of the sacrifices and achievements of Canadians in armed conflict.”
Most of the 2011 recipients are veterans. Ted Barris, a civilian, also received the commendation.
His citation read, in part: “Ted Barris has made such exemplary contributions by generously giving of himself and so both benefiting veterans and making manifest the principle that Canada’s obligation to all who have served in the cause of Peace and Freedom, must not be forgotten.”
A government press release offered the following description of the event:
Nineteen citizens from Ontario were honoured today for their exemplary contribution to the care and well-being of Veterans and their remembrance of the sacrifices and achievements of our Veterans. The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, decorated these individuals with the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation during a ceremony in Mississauga.
“After serving, many of Canada’s Veterans have continued to provide outstanding service to their country, their communities and their fellow Veterans. They have truly been nation builders and have earned our undying respect and gratitude,” Minister Blaney said. “It is equally gratifying to see other Canadians volunteer their time and efforts to give back to our Veterans. Today, we recognize their hard work and honour them.”
Minister Blaney presented the Commendation to the following individuals:
Ted Barris, Uxbridge; Donald Cameron, Etobicoke; Paul Cane, Drayton; Richard Carriere, Cobourg; Kristin Courtney, Oakville; Douglas Finney, Oshawa; Stanley Hicks, Dundas; Paul Hooper, London; Wayne Johnston, Whitby; HooJung Jones, Ancaster; Evelyn Kelly, Toronto; Donald Kerr, Port Perry; George MacDonell, Toronto; Alan MacGregor, Courtice; George McKiel, Toronto; Jack Myers, Wawa; William (Bill) Siddall, Wheatley; Fernand Taillefer, Barrie; Allan Williams, Oshawa.
The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation includes a bar, which can be worn below official decorations on a Veteran’s blazer, as well as a lapel pin for civilian wear and a certificate.
The Commendation is intended primarily for Veterans, but in some circumstances it may also be awarded to non-Veterans.
Well deserved, Ted. Congratulations!
Ted – we are so very proud to be ‘friends’ with you. You are a very special person. Our congratulations to you. A very deserving commendation for a wonderful person.
Hi Ted, Congradulations on your latest honour. You certainly deserve it.
Wonderful news, Ted, for a wonderful and deserving person. Heartiest congratulations and a special toast to you.
You are to be commended Ted. Your work telling the stories of veterans is remarkable. We need more advocates like you in Canada.
PER ARDUA AD ASTRA.
Heartiest congratulations, Ted. l raise a glass of bubbly in an easterly direction to salute you, and your dedication, in chronicling the valour, sacrifice, and personal experiences of Canada’s veterans, and your varied efforts on their behalf.
John Holowchak
Edmonton, AB
We owe a huge debt to our verterans and you have told their stories before they were lost forever.Thank you.
Congratulations.
What wonderful news and to think we were with you when you found out. It’s about time Canada honoured you. We are so very proud to know you.
Very best wishes!
Congratulations on your award Ted! No one in Canada deserves it more than you. What a strong advocate of veterans & their stories you have been. We are looking forward to more of their stories in your next book.
Excellent!Pleased that you have been recognized for the outstanding work you have done to recognize our veterans.
Your Dad is smiling I’m sure.
Anne and John
Ted — so richly deserved. Your passion to tell the stories of our veterans and your patience to ensure that you have “the whole story” to tell, is what makes your work so important and valuable. Well done, sir. Well done indeed.
Ruth & Cameron
Ted,
Well done sir. Heartfelt congratulations from me and Art and Dorothy Oikle. All the best to you and Jayne.
David
Ted-Congratulations,I was humbled to receive this honour as I am assured you are.I to walked amongst heroes,you among them! Will send letter sharing vet experiences.Bill
Well deserved Ted. My congratulations to you and to all the other recipients of this award. Your books Ted are very hard to put down once you start reading.
Bob Woodward
NATO Veteran (Cold War)
1st,2nd RHC
1st RCR
Ontario Regiment