Message from King Charles III, King of Canada, Sovereign of the Order of Military Merit, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the first Order of Military Merit investiture at Rideau Hall

As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Order of Military Merit, I particularly wanted to express my warmest good wishes to the more than 5,000 members of the Canadian Armed Forces who have been appointed to the Order since its creation by my late mother in 1972.

For almost as long as the Order has been in existence, I have had the privilege of enjoying a close relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces and I have seen at first-hand the exceptional dedication of Canadians who have chosen to serve in the profession of arms.

Last year, I was most touched to have been appointed a Commander in the Order, joining the ranks of those who have been honoured for their distinguished military service to the nation.

Over the last five decades, the excellence demonstrated by Commanders, Officers and Members of the Order is as varied as the backgrounds of those who have been honoured with appointment.

I know that Canada recognizes all of you for your accomplishments and dedicated service, at home and abroad.   

As we look ahead to the next 50 years of the Order, I can only congratulate all members, including those recently appointed, for the example you continue to set and I particularly want to thank your families and friends who have stood by, supported and helped you to achieve your many successes. 

Signed,

Charles R

Editor’s note: The Order of Military Merit (ORMM) is a military honour for merit which is, within the Canadian system of honours, the second highest order administered by the governor in Council, on behalf of the Canadian monarch. As of Dec. 31, 2021, there have been 3,535 appointments at the Member level of the Order of Military Merit since its institution in 1972. Each insignia is numbered on the reverse, but not named. The names of the appointees are published in the Canada Gazette. Appointments are usually announced in December of each year and one cannot be appointed to the Order posthumously. The insignia was designed by Capt (Ret’d) Bruce Wilbur Beatty, CM, SOM, CD and, since 2014, is manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint at its Ottawa facility. The Order of Military Merit recognizes conspicuous merit and exceptional service by active members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Appointment to the rank of Member of the Order of Military Merit recognizes outstanding meritorious service and demonstrated leadership in duties of great responsibility.