From left: Belleville Chief of Police Cory MacKay, Donald Gebhardt, CD, Yvonne
I.L. Gebhardt and MNO Veterans’ Council President Joseph Paquette.Submitted by MNO Veterans’ Council President Joe Paquette
On September 25, the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Veterans’ Council, in collaboration with the Belleville Police Service, presented the Louis Riel Medal and certificate to four MNO veterans.
The presentation ceremony took place at a fitting location: the National Air Force Museum of Canada, located at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Trenton. MNO Veterans’ Council Chair Guy Mandeville, CD, organized the venue for the ceremony.
Paquette presented each veteran with the Louis Riel Medal and the accompanyingBelleville Chief of Police Cory MacKay (left) holding a Certificate of Appreciation
presented by MNO Veterans’ Council President Joe Paquette (right). certificate was presented by Belleville Chief of Police Cory MacKay.
MNO citizen Clark Beamish, CD, was the first among those gathered to receive the Louis Riel Medal. Belleville Deputy Chief Ron Gignac, CD, was the second recipient of the Louis Riel Medal. Gignac’s wife Betty and their daughter Nicholette also attended the ceremony.
The third and fourth recipients of the Louis Riel Medal were Yvonne I.L. Gebhardt and her son Donald Gebhardt, CD. After Yvonne received her medal, Paquette stepped aside and Yvonne presented her son with his Louis Riel Medal. Don’s wife Linda and his twoMNO Veterans’ Council Chair Guy Mandeville, CD (left), and MNO Veterans’
Council President Joe Paquette at the National Air Force Museum of Canada. daughters, Hannah and Laxi, were present at the ceremony.
Working together as a community
Following the presentation of the Louis Riel Medals, the MNO Veterans’ Council acknowledged the Belleville Police Service for their support of MNO veterans. Paquette presented Chief MacKay with a Certificate of Appreciation from the MNO Veterans’ Council.
The Belleville Police Service and the MNO Veterans’ Council have established a good long-term connection, working together within their community.
“We must contribute towards healthy communities throughout our province,” Paquette said.
A chance to see history
The National Air Force Museum of Canada has a national reputation for having the largest number of aircraft on display.
The presentation platform was placed in front of the famous, fully restored Handley Page Halifax aircraft. “It was quite the honour to display the Métis flag in the Trenton museum,” says Paquette.
Mandeville and Paquette had the opportunity to visit the museum later in the day.
Published on: December 23, 2015