Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal awarded to Myroslaw Tracz of Winnipeg (02/08/04)

Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal awarded to Myroslaw Tracz of Winnipeg

WINNIPEG - The Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal (CPSM) was awarded to Myroslaw Tracz on January 31, for his valuable contribution to world peace.

"I humbly accept this medal on behalf of all the people participating in the peace process," said Mr. Tracz. "I hope this will encourage young people to give peace a chance."

Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, minister for western economic diversification and member of Parliament for Winnipeg North-St. Paul, presented the CPSM to Mr. Tracz during a private ceremony attended by his wife, Orysia Tracz, their son Dobryan and close friends. It was held at the Ministers Regional Office in downtown Winnipeg.

"It was my privilege to present to Myroslaw Tracz the medal - truly, richly deserved," said Dr. Pagtakhan, who presented the CPSM under the authority of Adrienne Clarkson, governor general and commander-in-chief of Canada.

The CPSM honors Mr. Tracz's service and recognizes his valuable contribution to world peace during his Tour of Duty in Pec with the Kosovo Verification Mission (funded by the Canadian International Development Authority, CIDA) where he served as elections officer from February 6 to April 23, 1999.

"Life is very valuable, we have to give peace a chance," said Mr. Tracz, who over the years has bravely represented Canada at various foreign missions. He has participated in promoting the peace process in numerous nations, including Zimbabwe, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Kazakstan, Armenia, Cambodia, Bosnia and Ukraine.

Mr. Tracz has served as the director of education services at Deer Lodge Center for over nine years. He was also an area coordinator (Manitoba) for the Correctional Services of Canada. He was a member of the National Parole Board and was the Director of the Institute for Continuous Learning at the Age and Opportunity Center.

"Following the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to all peacekeepers in 1988, the CPSM was approved by Her Majesty the Queen to recognize service by Canadians deployed outside Canada at the initiative, by the nomination or with the agreement of the Canadian government, for an aggregate of 30 days in support of at least one United Nations or international peacekeeping mission," said Captain C. Gauthier, administrative officer, honors and awards, Directorate of History and Heritage, National Defense.

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