Vernon’s Francois Arsenault found out in March he was receiving a Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteer.
The news still hadn’t sunk in Wednesday as he travelled to Victoria to receive his honour.
“I’m surprised and I’m honoured,” said Arsenault, being recognized for his volunteer work with the Army Cadet League of Canada, a post he’s held officially since 1991. He is the first League member to receive such an honour.
Arsenault is also the creator of a virtual museum that chronicles the 137-year history of the Army Cadet League of Canada. In conjunction with the Vernon Cadet Training Centre, he opened the Vernon Cadet Museum and is a board member of the Vernon Museum and Archives.
“The award is not about just one person,” said Arsenault, who will receive his medal from B.C. Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon at Government House in a Wednesday afternoon ceremony.
“A lot of people have helped me and inspired me along the way. We’ve worked very hard over the years. So many people have contributed to the museum and to the history.”
Arsenault is among 33 B.C. recipients of Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.
The medal recognizes the exceptional volunteer achievements of Canadians from across the country in a wide range of fields.
As an official Canadian honour, it also pays tribute to the dedication and exemplary commitment of volunteers.