SUNDRE – The outgoing past president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #223 in Sundre had anticipated receiving recognition for his past service to the local hall.
But Rev. Todd MacDonald, who is also a captain in the Canadian Armed Forces, was caught completely by surprise upon learning he was being presented with a King Charles III Coronation medal.
“I was gobsmacked,” said MacDonald, adding he was also overwhelmed and honoured.
Dick Cruickshank, the executive member of the Sundre branch who oversees honours and awards, presented MacDonald with the medal at the local hall during a regular meeting last month.
The medal program was first announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau three days before the May 6, 2023 coronation of King Charles III and is intended to recognize Canadians who have made a significant contribution to the country or to a particular province, territory, region or community, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.
Among the other awards MacDonald has earned throughout the span of his nearly 15-year career is a legion recognition for service in a variety of positions as well as a zone medal for chaplain, and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee as well as a Canadian Forces Decoration presented to officers and non-commissioned members who have completed twelve years of service with a good record of conduct.
Awards and ribbons mounted on the left side of one’s chest are related to military service, while those pinned on the right side pertain to legion activities.
