September 15, 2025 – Defence Stories
Estimated read time – 2:15
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Lieutenant-General Stephen Kelsey and Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Stanley Ryan receive commemorative coins from Dr. André Levesque, President of the delegation des Médailles Militaires au Canada, with Vice-President Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Marie Claire Ouellette, in front of the Société Nationale d’Entraide de la Médaille Militaire and Order of Military Merit display at National Defence Headquarters (Carling).
On August 5, Lieutenant-General Stephen Kelsey and Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Stanley Ryan were presented with commemorative coins in front of the Société Nationale d’Entraide de la Médaille Militaire (SNEMM) and the Order of Military Merit (ORMM) display at National Defence Headquarters (Carling). The coins were awarded by Dr. André Levesque, President of the delegation des Médailles Militaires au Canada, alongside Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Marie Claire Ouellette, the Vice-President of the delegation des Médailles Militaires au Canada.
This symbolic gesture served as a lead-in to the upcoming Canada Army Run in September, which will feature the participation of three French wounded soldiers – Julien Gabillaud, Fabrice Grondin, Brice Pillard – and highlight the enduring partnership between the Order of Military Merit (Canada) and the Médaille Militaire (France).
This event underscores the importance of maintaining strong ties between Canada and France, particularly through military and commemorative cooperation. The foundation of this relationship was formalized in 2017, when Lieutenant-General Charles Lamarre, then Commander of Military Personnel Command, signed a declaration of intent for collaboration. The agreement, focused on honouring the duty of remembrance and recognizing the military service of both nations, was later reaffirmed by the former VCDS, Lieutenant-General Frances Allen and signed by French Major Christophe Raisonnier, representing the President General located in Paris.
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Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Marie Claire Ouellette stands alongside Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Stanley Ryan, who holds the commemorative coin he was presented during the ceremony at National Defence Headquarters (Carling).
Canada’s connection to the French Military Medal runs deep. Originally created to recognize acts of bravery, the medal was awarded to approximately 50 Canadians during the First World War. Several of these medals are displayed in the Canadian War Museum, serving as a testament to the shared history and sacrifices of both nations. Although France no longer awards the French Military Medal to Canadians unless they serve in French forces – a rare occurrence since the First World War – the symbolic link remains strong.
Lieutenant-General Stephen Kelsey himself received recognition from the Republic of France – the National Defence Medal, Gold Level – for providing voluntary operational support to French forces during intense combat in Afghanistan, further reinforcing the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.
Today, French troops continue to train alongside Canada’s Royal 22nd Regiment, demonstrating that the partnership is not only historical but actively ongoing. The agreement between France and Canada stands out as one of the only – if not the only – formal international agreement signed between a veterans’ association and the Canadian Armed Forces. It reflects a unique and enduring alliance rooted in shared values, remembrance, and military collaboration.
Three French wounded soldiers who served in Afghanistan will be participating in the 2025 Canada Army Run, offering a powerful and personal symbol of Franco-Canadian solidarity. Their presence will send a meaningful message about the strength of our shared military history and the ongoing collaboration between our nations. It bridges past and present, honouring sacrifice while reinforcing enduring ties. Keep an eye out for more details about their visit and participation in this year’s event.
Developed in consultation with Dr. André M. Levesque.