Burnaby resident Kelly Kwong was one of 13 British Columbians to receive the prestigious Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation during a ceremony in Richmond Tuesday morning.

Steven Blaney, minister of veterans affairs, presented the awards to the 13 people who have shown exemplary commitment and dedication to veterans.

"These individuals have made a real and lasting difference with their service and dedication to our nation's truest heroes," Blaney said in a press release. "On behalf of all Canadians, I am proud to acknowledge their extraordinary efforts in helping to provide the care and recognition our veterans and their families deserve. Today, we recognize their hard work and selfless commitment."

Along with Kwong, other recipients of the commendation were John Bishop from Cobble Hill on Vancouver Island; Velma Emberly and Barbara Fosdick from Victoria; Bob Maley from North Vancouver; Robert Morrison and Sandi Greenfield from Vancouver; Earle Fraser from Surrey; Syd Pratt and Roy Kawamoto from Kelowna; Jack Frazer from Salt Spring Island; Gerard Ratchford from Esquimalt; and William Whalen from Pitt Meadows.

The Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation includes a bar, which can be worn below official decorations on a veteran's blazer, as well as a lapel pin for civilian wear and a certificate.

The commendation is presented to individuals who have contributed to the care and well-being of veterans and to the remembrance of their contributions, sacrifices and achievements.

It is intended primarily for veterans but in some circumstances may also be awarded to non-veterans.

See www.veterans.gc.ca. for more information.