Huntington University president Kevin McCormick was in Ottawa Monday to present Minister of Defence Harjit Singh Sajjan with a Memorial Cross belonging to a soldier who fought and died in the First World War.
Project Honour and Preserve, a personal project undertaken by McCormick in 2013 to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War, has involved the academic using his own money to purchase hundreds of historic artifacts.
He then donates the items to groups such as museums, affiliated military units, veterans’ associations, schools and veterans’ families.
“I am honoured to be in the nation’s capital this morning to repatriate this incredibly important medal,” said McCormick, in a press release. “It is critical that we both honour and preserve the sacrifices and selfless service made by the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces, who through their dedication, ensure the safety, security and freedoms of all Canadians.”
“I commend Dr. McCormick for his incredible commitment and his ongoing efforts to raise awareness to the outstanding contributions made by our Canadian veterans,” said Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré.
“I am truly honoured to be part of this important project that recognizes and commemorates those who’ve showed tremendous courage and sacrificed so much to serve and protect our country.”
McCormick was named a recipient of the 2016 Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation in recognition of his ongoing support of the Canadian Military, including his commitment to Project Honour and Preserve – an initiative he personally conceived in an effort to raise awareness of the sacrifices and contributions made by Canadian veterans while bringing public attention to important dates in Canadian military history.
