Wednesday, March 1st
Our President, Philippe Martin, received from the Honorable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, the Commendation for his dedication and his passion for the history and the participation of Canadian soldiers in the conquest of Vimy Ridge, as well as for the memory of the fallen soldiers and his continuous support dedicated to the duty of memory.
As indicated in his citation, Philippe Martin has been a full member of the Association known as « Friends of the Canadian Monument at Vimy » for more than 25 years. He has accumulated 6 years of secretariat and 19 years of presidency. He is described as being always available, caring and willing in his important mission at the head of the Association.He has always used to say : « My attachment to the duty of memory, particularly towards my Canadian cousins, is pegged to my soul and still animates me with much intensity. »
The Commendation is an immense honor not only for him, but also for our Association, for he is the very first Frenchman to receive this Canadian distinction !
To mark the event of the Minister’s visit, Philippe gave the Honorable L. MacAulay a box in which was presented a medal struck in the name of the Friends of the Canadian Monument at Vimy.
To find the full text of the Commendation : https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/about-vac/who-we-are/department-officials/minister/commendation
Translated by Jacques Paltani