Selfless leadership in an age of selfish leaders
This week, I had the honour of awarding 30 outstanding citizens the King’s Coronation Medal.
This year, 30,000 Canadians will receive the medal; 4,000 are designated for members of our Canadian Armed Forces and 26,000 civilian medals.
The eligibility criteria for this medal were simple.
Individuals who Have made significant contributions to their country, province, territory, region, or community, or an achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.
On coronation weekend, King Charles closed his message to his people with the following lines:
“To know that we have your support and encouragement, and to witness your kindness expressed in so many different ways, has been the greatest possible Coronation gift, as we now rededicate our lives to serving the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and Commonwealth.”
That statement encapsulates the vision of this award, and the governing principle for those who received it.
Lives dedicated to serving others.
Few people in recent history have better exemplified a life of service than the King’s own mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, who I have always greatly admired.
On her twenty-first birthday, April 21st, 1947, she made a solemn pledge:
“I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service.”
She did what she said she would.
She lived a life of exemplary and selfless service to her people.
Service often in the face of great adversity.
The reason for this was simple. If you’re going to be a leader, you need to be a servant.
That’s what leadership is.
It’s not about glory or accolades or prestige or power, it’s about service.
It’s about people.
Nobody understands that better than the folks who gathered in the auditorium at the Mennonite Heritage Village on Tuesday.
These are folks who exemplify leadership. Outstanding individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities.
As Canadians and Americans grapple with new tariffs, as wars rage around the globe, it can be easy to lose hope in people— particularly those who are leaders.
However, we have in our communities those who show real leadership through selfless service.
They don’t do it for awards or acclaim—some were even hesitant to accept their medals or receive any public recognition.
They do it for people.
They are an inspiration and an example, and we are blessed to have them in our community.