On Thursday, June 5, a small ceremony was held at Royal Canadian Legion Branch in Drumheller recognizing seven people of our area who have been instrumental within their community, and have been presented the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Current MP for Battle River – Crowfoot, Damien Kurek, was on hand to present the awards to the seven listed below:
- Barbara Ann Campbell – Drumheller
- Heather Colberg – Drumheller
- Jamie Collins – Linden
- Larry Craige Coney – Drumheller
- James Lawrence Fisher – Drumheller
- Linda Fisher – Drumheller
- Mark Maxwell – Three Hills
Kurek shares that it is a great honour to him to have the opportunity to recognize these community leaders. “The fact that Members of Parliament had the opportunity to put forward names to be awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, is an absolute honour to be able to recognize extraordinary citizens in our region. The seven people awarded here in Drumheller today, the dozen that were in Camrose yesterday, and the others that were in Wainwright on Tuesday, they show the best of, not only what this region is, but the best of Alberta and what Canada is. The exemplary values of citizenship, leadership, self sacrifice, and a diverse group too. I think it speaks to how incredible this region is, and as the Member of Parliament, having had the opportunity over the last five years to represent them, it truly makes me proud.”
For the award to recognize those that do so much, maybe even behind the scenes, is not lost on Kurek. “Often people see public figures get recognized but the fact that the regular, everyday, Canadians that do extraordinary things had the chance to receive this prestigious honour. I think it shows something that is unique in our country and in the midst of the challenges we face, give us hope for the future.”
One of the recipients, Larry Coney, was quite surprised to received such an honour. “I never expected it but it would be more neat to know who put me in (nominated him), then I could go and sit down and thank them, maybe buy them a coffee. It is very humbling.” Coney knew of three others that were receiving the medal and was excited for them, not knowing that he, himself, would be receiving the honour as well.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty Kin Charles III, which took place on May 6, 2023. The first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation, it recognizes individuals who have made significant contribution to a particular province, territory, region, or community in Canada, or attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to our country. Only 30,000 medals were given out in Canada.
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