1. VICTORIA CROSS The Victoria Cross "shall be awarded for the most conspicuous bravery, a daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty, in the presence of the enemy".

2. STAR AND MEDAL OF MILITARY VALOUR The Star of Military Valour is the second highest Military Valour Decoration of Canada. It "shall be awarded for distinguished and valiant service in the presence of the enemy." The Medal of Military Valour could also be awarded for similar circumstances.

3. THE ORDER OF CANADA The Order of Canada established as the centrepiece of Canada's system of honours to pay tribute to those who exemplify the highest qualities of citizenship and whose contributions enrich the lives of their contemporaries. Only Canadian citizens are eligible to be members of the order.

4. MERITORIOUS SERVICE CROSS AND CANADIAN FORCES DECORATION The Meritorious Service Cross (above left) can be awarded militarily or civilly, for the performance of a deed or activity in an outstanding professional manner or of an uncommonly high standard bringing considerable benefit or great honour to Canada.

5. UNITED NATIONS MEDALS, THE CANADIAN PEACEKEEPING SERVICE MEDAL Canadians have served in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions in over 25 countries around the world, including 30 years in Cyprus (medal seen above). Each UN medal is distinguished by its ribbon colours. The Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal (above right, front and back) is awarded for peacekeeping service on missions dating back to 1947. The three figures on the obverse of the medal are those depicted on the top of the Peacekeeping Monument, officially dedicated in Ottawa in 1989.

6. WAR MEDALS The Victory Medal (left) The 1939-45 Star (second from left) The Canadian Korea Medal (third from left) The Gulf and Kuwait Medal with bar ( right)