Donovan Arnaud, president of the Royal Canadian Legion in Strathmore was recently awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Arnaud says the medals are issued by the United Kingdom to commonwealth countries like Canada.
"Here in Canada, the medal is offered to the military for various organizations throughout the country,"
According to Arnaud, it's also given to Royal Canadian Legion groups and Members of Parliament to distribute to constituents in their riding.
Bow River MP Martin Shields presented the medal to Arnaud during a ceremony on Saturday (Dec. 7).
"I was recommended for this medal by people within the constituency here of Bow River," mentioned Arnaud.
Residents can receive the medal by doing exemplary work in the community and through the military.
Arnaud said there were 20 medals awarded to people in the area.
"I was very fortunate to get it."
He mentioned he grew up in a military family as his father served in World War II.
"I was drawn to joining the Navy, which I did, and served a total of 25 years. I eventually retired as a commander."
He remarked that his time in the Royal Canadian Navy defined him as a person and he was able to travel the world.
"I was a sea-going naval officer, I had staff experience in Ottawa, which was equally as satisfying. Which ultimately led to a career in the federal government after the fact."
Arnaud says the highlight of his military career was going to the National Defence College in 1991.
Accepting the award was also a full-circle moment for Arnaud as he went with his mother to see his father accept the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal as a part of the Canadian Army Contingent 71 years ago.
"I remember looking up at a window and a woman was standing there with two children, and one of those children was Prince Charles," added Arnaud.
According to the Government of Canada, the medal is manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint and is struck in nickel-silver.