Recipient of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. Why me?

This past weekend I was in Moose Jaw, Sask. and was totally unprepared for the humbling experience that I was going there for.
Since my trip to Belgium and France in 2005 on the Aboriginal Spiritual Journey – Calling Home Ceremony, I have spent a lot of time with our veterans and our serving military and it’s such an amazing part of my life. Getting to know what’s truly inside the hearts of a Canadian soldier, 20 years old or 90 years old, is an absolutely amazing thing.
And on this trip to Moose Jaw, I got to meet some more incredible veterans and hear their unimaginable life stories.
A couple of months ago I got a call from Veterans Affairs telling me that they had some very important and exciting news for me. First thing I thought of was maybe another trip…but believe it or not, what it actually turned out to be was way more surprising.
I was told that I was going to be a recipient of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. This is an award, a medal, that is usually only presented to veterans for their service to the Canadian Military as well as work they do after they retire, but on occasion it is presented to a civilian for their service to the military and the remembrance of our veterans and our fallen. I was sitting there hearing the host reading all of the accomplishments of these amazing men and thinking, “what in the world am I doing here? What have I done to deserve this medal?”
Going up there and being given the medal, I will never forget it. Starting at it, and then looking out getting smiles and nods of approval from the veterans.
Afterward, before the tedious group photo session, I was asked to play “The Warriors Lament” and it was the most emotional I have felt while playing it since playing it atop the memorial at Vimy Ridge at the 90th Anniversary Ceremony.
Needless to say, I am still humbled, and having that feeling brought forth to me I realize that many things everyday humble me, and I love it, makes for a pretty cool life if you ask me…you never forget those kinds of moments…I know I never will forget this.