Nova Scotia Veteran Receives Diamond Jubilee Medal

A veteran, reverend and former peacekeeper is Nova Scotia's newest recipient of the Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Premier Darrell Dexter presented Rev. Lt.-Cmdr. Robert MacLean with the commemorative medal in a small ceremony at Province House today, July 4.

"The Diamond Jubilee Medal is a distinct honour recognizing the significant contribution recipients have made to their community, their province and their country," said Premier Dexter. "Rev. Lt.-Cmdr. MacLean's decorated history with the Canadian military and the important work he's done on peacekeeping missions make him an obvious choice for this award.

"Congratulations to him, and on behalf of all Nova Scotians, I thank him for demonstrating the positive impact that one person can have. He is indeed a great role model for all generations."

Rev. Lt.-Comm. MacLean has served in a number of roles with the Canadian Armed Forces since he joined the Air Cadets in 1947. Over the past 60 years, he has received numerous medals and awards, most notably the Noble Peace Prize shared with all United Nations peacekeepers.

He is originally from Durham Centre, N.B., but recently lived in Fall River and now resides in Ontario. He is back in Nova Scotia this week visiting with family.

Premier Dexter took advantage of the opportunity to present Mr. MacLean with his medal in person.

"From the very first day that I joined the Air Cadets, it has been an honour to serve the Queen and my country," said Rev. Lt.-Comm. MacLean. "Receiving Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee Medal today in front of my friends and family makes those years of service even more fulfilling. I hope this recognition of my work encourages others to get involved in public service in church and state."

Last year marked Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's 60th anniversary as the Queen of Canada. In honour of the milestone, 60,000 extraordinary Canadians received the Diamond Jubilee Medal. Rev. Lt.-Comm. MacLean is the final recipient from Nova Scotia. In April he was also one of 60 Veterans at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 95 Bedford awarded the Century of Service Diamond Jubilee Medallion.

For more information on the Diamond Jubilee and the medal, visit http://novascotia.ca/diamondjubilee .