Wednesday, June 11, 2025 Vol. 48, No. 23
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Kurek awards King Coronation medals Leslie Cholowsky Staff Reporter
Battle River - Crowfoot Member of Parliament Damien Kurek said that he received over 100 nominations for the 20 King Charles III Coronation medals he received for his constituents - so many that he went back to the Governor General’s office and asked for more, receiving another six medals. Kurek says going through the applications to choose 26 recipients was a harrowing task, and each seemed as deserving as the next. “In that process, it showed truly what the best of this region is. “In King Charles’ commendation to those who would be choosing who the medal would be awarded to, it said exceptional service to your region, your province, and country, and that metric is what ultimately led - community driven, to the nomination process leading to the individuals being chosen.” Kurek added that he thought it was exceptionally fitting that just over a week ago, King Charles III was in Canada to open the sitting of the 45th Parliament. He said he’d had the opportunity to be in the Senate Chamber, to welcome the King. “He talked in large part about the connection that as a consitutional monarchy that we have. It’s not about individuals, but it’s about service to the nation. I think that’s a lesson we can take, and one that hopefully inspires the whole nation in that process. “What I hope you’ll take away from my remarks is that these individuals, 12 of them who are being recognized today, they show the best of not just their accomplishments, but it’s what they do for our communities and the way that they serve. “What has been an incredible part of this, ironically, there was a number of
people, who when we let them know they’ve been granted the honour, they asked, ‘Isn’t there someone more fitting?’” When the 26 were chosen, Kurek scheduled three ceremonies, one in Wainwright, one in Camrose, and one in Drumheller, to present the medals. The Camrose ceremony was held Wednesday, June 4, at the Royal Canadian Legion there, where 12 recipients were honoured. They included Dawn Hodgins. Also receiving medals in Camrose were Blain Fowler, Lynne Jenkinson of Daysland, Sherry Kroeger of Consort, Michael Kuster of Camrose, Mary Lien of Ryley, Norm Mayer of Camrose, Blanche Nelson of Hardisty, Charles McBurney of Beaver County, Erhard Pinno of Camrose, and Leona Thorogood of Stettler. Kurek said that the medal presentations were late, that nominations had taken place just over a year ago and the award ceremonies were supposed to have taken place by the end of March 2025. He said with the federal election, however, there has been no opportunity to hold the presentation ceremonies until now. He said he had received special permission to hold these events while parliament was sitting. Kurek said, “It is the dedication and passion of the 12 individuals we are recognizing today that make this region such an incredible place to live, work, and call home.” He added, “Something that is an incredible part of a large rural riding like Battle River - Crowfoot is the people, and I found it very very fitting that we have 26 people in BR-C who have received this honour. “For you all to be here to celebrate 12 of those 26 today is an incredible testament to the strength of rural, and the strength of community, and it is an
PHOTO COURTESY MURRAY GREEN
Battle River - Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek held a King Charles III Coronation Medal presentation ceremony on Wednesday, June 4, in Camrose, where Dawn Hodgins was recognized. honour, on behalf of the Parliament of Canada, and the people of Battle River - Crowfoot to be able to welcome you all here for this distinguished event.” As each individual was called forward, Kurek read part of their biographies from their nominations. Kurek named Dawn Hodgins as one of those being honoured on Wednesday. He said, “For over 50 years, Dawn has been a pillar of volunteerism in Viking, dedicating her time and talents to countless community initiatives, especially those supporting children and families. “Her service includes decades of leadership in youth programs, such as
Sunday School, Scouts, 4-H, and minor sports. She has held key roles in the United Church, including the Women’s organization, the Royal Purple, at both the local and provincial levels, and has contributed tirelessly to community events, fundraising events, and facility operations. “Her enduring commitment, leadership, and generosity have left a lasting legacy of community, spirit, and care.” Kurek added, “Dawn, on behalf of the Parliament of Canada and the people of Battle River - Crowfoot, It is my honour to present this medal to you in recognition for your service with deep gratitude and respect.”