TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 30, 2012) - The Board of Directors at the Canadian Museum of Hindu Civilization were awarded the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service for their efforts in creating a monument for fallen soldiers in a ceremony with 32 Service Battalion today in Richmond Hill.

Brigadier-General Omer Lavoie, commander of Land Force Central Area (The Army in Ontario) on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff General Walt Natynczyk, presented the silver coloured medallion to the Board of Directors for their role in the erection of the Monument to the Fallen. The memorial was built by the Indo-Canadian Community to offer respect and gratitude to the Canadian Forces.

"The Board of Directors, committee, and donors of this monument embody the kind of public support that means so much to the men and women serving in our military," said Brig-Gen. Lavoie. "Having a monument as beautiful as this, in honour of our fallen members is a great tribute to remember the ultimate sacrifice that was paid by our many members who have lost their lives in service of Canada."

The Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service is awarded by the Chief of the Defence Staff on behalf of the Canadian Forces to recognize outstanding service performed by persons (or organizations) outside the active military community. It is the highest honour bestowed upon civilians for service of a rare and exceptionally high standard, which accrues great benefit to the CF as a whole.

Notes to editor / news director: Further information on the CF Medallion for Distinguished Service can be found at: http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhr-ddhr/chc-tdh/chart-tableau-eng.asp?ref=cfmds

LFCA NR 12-008