“Superheroes don’t always wear capes. They are ordinary persons doing ordinary deeds, giving of themselves to save, protect and improve the lives of others,” Maeza Demis-Adams, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Authority of Anguilla said, at the awarding of medals to uniformed service officers.
In a special ceremony to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, qualifying members of the uniformed services on Anguilla were awarded the Platinum Jubilee Medal for their service as front-line workers.
The Platinum Jubilee Medal follows a long history of awarding medals to mark Royal Jubilees, with the first one awarded to mark the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign in 1887.
Before Her Majesty became Queen in 1952, Princess Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) at the age of 19, during the Second World War. Her Majesty has a long-standing respect for front-line service men and women and the bravery with which they take forward in their respective roles.
This is the fourth Jubilee Medal created by HM Queen Elizabeth II, and the seventh official Jubilee Medal to be awarded by a Monarch.
The Platinum Jubilee Medal, made of nickel silver and designed by Timothy Norwood at the College of Arms, features an image of the Queen with the Latin inscription Elizabeth II Dei Gratia Regina Fid Def which means, Elizabeth II, By the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith.
The special commemorative medal was awarded to qualifying front-line members of the Anguilla Emergency Service, the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Service, Her Majesty’s Prison Service, and the Royal Anguilla Police Force – as a token of the nation’s appreciation.
HE the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam noted that “the medal provides a fitting recognition of the dedication, sacrifice and service that each uniformed serviceman and servicewoman has provided to ensure the nation’s safety.
“You are true heroes and we owe you sincere gratitude and thanks for your continued efforts to ensure our safety.”
The Anguillian joins with HE the Governor in saying a heart-felt “Thank You” and “Congratulations” to each medal recipient.