At a luncheon in Richmond on Thursday, September 11th, 2014, Second Lieutenant, the Reverend Gordon William Barrett, a deacon of the Diocese of New Westminster currently in ministry at All Saints’, Burnaby was one of approximately 40 awarded the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. It is usually awarded to veterans but may be awarded to non-veterans for service to the veteran community.
The following is the information about the commendation from the Veteran’s Affairs website:
In April, 2001 Her Majesty the Queen approved the design of a special bar to be worn with decorations to be known as the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation.
The Commendation consists of a certificate, a lapel pin for civilian wear and a bar for wear with decorations. The design is a gold maple leaf resting on a red poppy, a flower long associated with the sacrifices of war, with the Royal Crown on the top of the pin.
The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation is worn below official decorations on its gold bar. It can be worn on a recipient's blazer, formal wear, etc. on occasions when it is appropriate for medals to be worn. The lapel pin may be worn at any time on civilian dress.
Here is the text of the citation read at the ceremony when Gordon received the award with his spouse Lynda in attendance.
Second Lieutenant the Rev. Gordon William Barrett * North Vancouver .
Rev. Barrett has been an integral part of the military community for more than 30 years. He is the founding Pipe Major of the British Columbia Regiment (DCO) Irish Pipes and Drums and held that position from 1990 - 2007. In 2007, he was appointed honourary Captain and Director of Music with the BC Regiment and was then appointed Honourary Captain and volunteer chaplain with the 15th Field Regiment Association, RCA in 2009. In his role as chaplain, Rev. Barrett has offered counsel to reservists and their families on issues ranging from overseas deployment to injuries. Rev. Barrett became a CIC Officer with the 2472 Army Cadet Corps. He continues to organize Remembrance Day ceremonies at BC's head office of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, where he was formerly employed. These events are attended by current employees where special distinction is given to retired CF staff. Rev. Barrett also assists at other commemorative ceremonies in the community where he has acted as M.C., chaplain and has conducted Remembrance Day services at the George Derby Centre - home to 300 War Veterans.
Congratulations to Gordon on receiving this honour in recognition of his ministry.
The following is the information about the commendation from the Veteran’s Affairs website:
In April, 2001 Her Majesty the Queen approved the design of a special bar to be worn with decorations to be known as the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation.
The Governor General has issued a Warrant creating this award, and the governing policies call for it to be "...awarded to individuals who have performed commendable service to the Veteran community and /or individuals who represent commendable role models for their fellow Veterans." The Commendation is intended primarily for Veterans, but may be awarded to non-Veterans.
Insignia and WearThe Commendation consists of a certificate, a lapel pin for civilian wear and a bar for wear with decorations. The design is a gold maple leaf resting on a red poppy, a flower long associated with the sacrifices of war, with the Royal Crown on the top of the pin.
The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation is worn below official decorations on its gold bar. It can be worn on a recipient's blazer, formal wear, etc. on occasions when it is appropriate for medals to be worn. The lapel pin may be worn at any time on civilian dress.
Here is the text of the citation read at the ceremony when Gordon received the award with his spouse Lynda in attendance.
Second Lieutenant the Rev. Gordon William Barrett * North Vancouver .
Rev. Barrett has been an integral part of the military community for more than 30 years. He is the founding Pipe Major of the British Columbia Regiment (DCO) Irish Pipes and Drums and held that position from 1990 - 2007. In 2007, he was appointed honourary Captain and Director of Music with the BC Regiment and was then appointed Honourary Captain and volunteer chaplain with the 15th Field Regiment Association, RCA in 2009. In his role as chaplain, Rev. Barrett has offered counsel to reservists and their families on issues ranging from overseas deployment to injuries. Rev. Barrett became a CIC Officer with the 2472 Army Cadet Corps. He continues to organize Remembrance Day ceremonies at BC's head office of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, where he was formerly employed. These events are attended by current employees where special distinction is given to retired CF staff. Rev. Barrett also assists at other commemorative ceremonies in the community where he has acted as M.C., chaplain and has conducted Remembrance Day services at the George Derby Centre - home to 300 War Veterans.
Congratulations to Gordon on receiving this honour in recognition of his ministry.