Presentation of the Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division) to Chris Hadfield

Both share a love for education, learning and innovation. The Governor General shared with Mr. Hadfield that he was pleased that Eddy, the viceregal lion and mascot for the Eduzone online educational resource, was able to join him and be part of the mission to space.

The Governor General presented the Meritorious Service Cross (Civil Division) to Mr. Hadfield.

On June 27, the Governor General visited the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in Saint-Hubert, Quebec, to honour Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by Mr. Hadfield and his wife Helene, and Gilles Leclerc, Acting President of the CSA.

"Chris, I have the utmost respect for what you have done during your time as an astronaut," said His Excellency during the special presentation. "But in the past year—and please forgive the pun—you have truly soared to new heights, becoming the first Canadian commander of the International Space Station and inspiring the world with your orbital conversations."

M. Hadfield said he was very honoured to receive such a decoration.

He also wished to share this honour with the CSA team, who worked for years to make it possible to accomplish his last mission to space.

With this presentation, Mr. Hadfield became the first Canadian to hold both the civil and military decorations of this honour.

The Meritorious Service Decorations include a military division and a civil division, with two levels each: a cross and a medal. The civil division recognizes individuals who have performed an exceptional deed or an activity, made over a limited period of time, which brought honour to the community or to Canada. The military division recognizes individuals for their outstanding professionalism and for bringing honour to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.

Mr. Hadfield's citation is as follows: "In March 2013, astronaut Chris Hadfield became the first Canadian to assume command of the International Space Station (ISS). During his 146 days in space, he shared his passion for the arts and science with hundreds of thousands of people around the world via social media. A true standard-bearer for education, he also gave unprecedented access to the ISS and captured the imagination of countless students across Canada by means of live video chats. Through his extraordinary achievements and the record number of experiments conducted aboard the station, Mr. Hadfield promoted the Canadian Space Agency program, bringing great honour to Canada."