Governor General honours members of the Canadian Armed Forces

November 8, 2021

On November 4 and 8, 2021, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented a total of 60 Meritorious Service Decorations (MSD) – Military Division, to outstanding members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

As Chancellor and a Commander of the Order of Military Merit, the Governor General also invested two of the above MSD recipients into the Order: one as a Commander of Military Merit for their outstanding meritorious service and demonstrated leadership in duties of great responsibility; and the other as a Member of Military Merit for exceptional service or performance of duty.

The two ceremonies took place virtually.

A camera is filming Governor General Mary Simon. She can be seen on the LCD screen of the camera. She is also in the background of the photo. Behind her are Canadian flags.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented a total of 60 Meritorious Service Decorations (MSD) – Military Division, to outstanding members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0093-008
Governor General Mary Simon is sitting at a table. A notebook is open in front of her. The flag of Canada and the flag of the Canadian Armed Forces can be seen behind her.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, presented a total of 60 Meritorious Service Decorations (MSD) – Military Division, to outstanding members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0093-010
Governor General Mary Simon is sitting at a long table with General Wayne Eyre. They are both facing the camera. Behind them are Canadian and Canadian Armed Forces flags.

As Chancellor and a Commander of the Order of Military Merit, the Governor General also invested two of the above MSD recipients into the Order: one as a Commander of Military Merit for their outstanding meritorious service and demonstrated leadership in duties of great responsibility; and the other as a Member of Military Merit for exceptional service or performance of duty.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2021-0093-013
Governor General Mary Simon is sitting at a long table with General Wayne Eyre. There are people in military uniform standing at podiums on either side of the table.

Created by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Meritorious Service Decorations recognize Canadians for exceptional deeds that bring honour to our country. Along with the Order of Military Merit, they are central elements of the Canadian Honours System that also includes the Order of Canada, the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers and Decorations for Bravery.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2021-0088-003
Governor General Mary Simon is sitting at a long table with General Wayne Eyre. There are people in military uniform standing at podiums on either side of the table.

All recipients share a desire to help others, to achieve excellence and to contribute to their communities and to Canada.

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2021-0088-006
Governor General Mary Simon is sitting at a long table with General Wayne Eyre. They are both facing the camera. Behind them are Canadian and Canadian Armed Forces flags.

“With this honour and recognition comes the weight of responsibility you collectively hold to work towards a Canadian Armed Forces that values all those within its ranks. I challenge each of you to lead by example.”

- Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada

  • Credit: MCpl Anis Assari, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG08-2021-0088-008

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