Bravery and Meritorious Service Honours

Summary#

On July 4, 2020, Government House published a list of honours that recognizes people for acts of bravery and for meritorious service. The notice names winners of the Medal of Bravery, several civil and military Meritorious Service decorations, and a Mention in Dispatches.

What it does#

• Announces awards of the Medal of Bravery to a group of civilians and first responders. The full list of recipients is printed in the Gazette.
• Announces awards of the Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division) and the Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division) to a number of people for noteworthy civilian service.
• Announces awards of the Meritorious Service Cross (Military Division) and the Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) for distinguished military service.
• Publishes a Mention in Dispatches for one member of the armed forces.
• Notes some awards are given posthumously (the Gazette flags those recipients).

Who's affected#

• The named recipients and their families. Examples named in the Gazette include Sylvain Beauchamp, Constable Daryl Case, and Constable David Wynn (posthumous).
• People and organizations connected to the recipients (colleagues, police services, military units, and community groups).
• The broader public, who receive the official record and recognition through the Gazette announcement.

Why it matters#

• These awards publicly recognize acts of bravery and exceptional service. That gives credit to individuals and can provide closure or pride for families and communities.
• The Gazette entry creates an official, permanent record of the honours. Researchers, historians, and news outlets use these lists when documenting service and bravery.
• For recipients, the honours can affect reputation, career recognition, and community standing.