THE BATTLEFORDS — Of the 7,000 Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medals to be given out in Saskatchewan, 24 were given out locally Friday. The presentation took place at the Western Development Museum in North Battleford Friday.
The Crown in Canada has a long history and instituting commemorative medals during important years, notably during Coronation years, Jubilee years and on the anniversary of Confederation. The first such anniversary commemorative medal awarded to Canadians was the commemorative medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887. This was followed one decade later by the first Diamond Jubilee medal, struck for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.
In Canada, since the 1935 Silver Jubilee of King George V, commemorative medals have been awarded to recognize all manners of service to Crown and country, be it at the local, provincial, national or international levels.
As part of the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty ascending the throne as Queen of Canada, this long tradition of creating commemorative medals has continued. In the absence of a federal platinum jubilee medal program, six provinces have established jubilee medals of their own, each with the same ribbon, overall design and criteria. The design of the medal was approved by Her Majesty The Queen at Windsor Castle on May 17, 2022.
The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Saskatchewan to honour Her Majesty for her service to Canada, while also recognizing the significant contributions and achievements of Saskatchewan citizens.
At the event in the Battlefords, remarks were offered by the Honourable Tim McLeod, provincial secretary of the Government of Saskatchewan.
Music was provided by Jardeth Hemmerling on the guitar.
Saskatchewan and Alberta are tied for the most medals to be given out.
