Forty-nine Saskatchewan residents were on the program to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal at a ceremony on Nov. 8 at the RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina.
Medals were presented by Lieut.-Governor Russ Mirasty to about 41 recipients in attendance, including Moose Jaw Express Columnist Joyce Walter, as well as Senator Denise Batters, Roy LaBuick, president of the Moose Jaw Royal Canadian Legion and MP Fraser Tolmie.
Senator Pamela Wallin, Ruth Smillie of Globe Theatre and Victor Sawa, former director of the Regina Symphony Orchestra were also on the list of recipients.
In speaking to the group, Mirasty noted the medal recognizes Saskatchewan citizens of all ages, and from all walks of life who have made contributions to the country, province and their communities. He said the medal recognizes what each has personally done to make Saskatchewan a better place.
Walter has been a journalist in Moose Jaw since 1968, moving to Moose Jaw that year following high school graduation.
She has been involved in the community through several organizations including the Moose Jaw Exhibition Company, Friends of the Forces Fellowship Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village and Museum, Moose Jaw Branch 59 of the Royal Canadian Legion, Canada Day Committee, Crime Stoppers, Council of Women and others.
She was named citizen of the year in 1989, received a national volunteer award in 1997, the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal in 2005 and was presented with the Business Women’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
Walter said receiving the Queen’s medal was a special honour as she had worked on two local protocol committees that planned Royal visits for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philp as well as Prince Edward.
“Meeting Queen Elizabeth in person was a special moment and I will think of her each time I wear my medal. Receiving the medal was a special time and I was pleased to be in the company of so many other recipients who have done so much for their communities,” Walter said.
The medal will be presented to 7,000 Saskatchewan residents. Several military members from 15 Wing will receive their medals early in 2023.
