Thursday, February 09, 2012

Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal


Yesterday, I was reading an article about a new medal that's being awarded in Canada to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's accession to the throne.

"A new commemorative medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country. At the same time, it serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.

To be eligible for this honour, a person must:

•Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, but need not necessarily reside in Canada;

•Have made a significant contribution to a particular province, territory, region or community within Canada, or an achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada; and

•Be alive on February 6th, 2012, the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the Throne. The medal can be awarded posthumously, as long as the recipient was alive on that date."


 Here is a video message about the medal from the Governor General of Canada:




So you're probably wondering why I am posting about this today. Well, this morning, I sat down to check my email and there was an email from the Vice President of the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay, which said:

"The Rick Hansen Relay is committed to recognizing Canadians who have made a difference in their communities. Given our shared vision of honouring those who make a difference, we have been asked by the office of the Governor General to put forward a select number of names for consideration to be recipients of the Diamond Jubilee Medal.

We would like to put your name forward for consideration by the Diamond Jubilee committee."

I was (and am) completely stunned.

People like Derrell Fox (Terry Fox's brother) and Paralympian Lauren Woolstencroft and a whole host of exceptional Canadians have received this award. Whether the Diamond Jubilee Committee ultimately sees fit to grant me this award or not, I feel so deeply honoured and humbled to even be considered.

Like I keep saying, the most beautiful compensation of this life is that the more you give away, the more you get to keep for yourself.
This is a moment I will hold in my heart forever.

6 comments:

Vivienne said...

Oh Lelainia!
This is SO fantastic and well deserved!

Tara Finlay said...

Oh wow! I have chills! Definitely well-deserved. So proud!

Deb said...

Well. YOU may be surprised at this, Tuna. But we are not.

If ever there was a Canadian citizen who deserved this recognition, it is you. You have volunteered for so many Canadian events - and I can think of no one who is as enthusiastic, loyal, and loving about her country and its citizens. Indeed, you are an example for us all - Canadian, American ... every country I can think of.

I am so proud of you and I commend the Rick Hansen Relay Committee for recognizing you and your contributions. Fingers crossed that you win.

Oh, and should you win, you'll have to start wearing a crown with those rock star glasses.

Deb

halo said...

congrats! that is very awesome. :)

Seth said...

How wonderful. How affirming. How exciting. Sending huge congratulations to match this huge honor. What an honor!!!

greta ann said...

*teary* so very happy for you!!!