Some of the 70 local recipients of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee pin. Photo courtesy of Jamie McGrail.

70 deserving residents have been given an honourable award.

Chatham-Kent-Leamington MP Dave Epp presented pins to nominees during two ceremonies on Thursday, one in Leamington and a second in Chatham.

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee recognizes residents who have provided exceptional service to the community and Canada.

The pin celebrates the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th anniversary on the throne, marking her as Canada’s longest sovereign and first to celebrate a platinum jubilee.

Epp says the event represents Her Majesty’s legacy as an exemplary member of society.

“Freedom should always be measured in tandem with duty. Right’s should always go together with responsibilities, and I think our sovereign shows the embodiment of freedom and duty, rights, and responsibilities. [She’s a] great role model for all of us.” says Epp.

He hopes the event inspires others to give to their community.

“When people give to their community, to their church groups, their community groups, in whatever capacity- you are personally enriched, your family’s enriched, and our community is enriched, and so its something I want to, in my small part, encourage folks to do.”

Those who received a Jubilee pin were nominated online by local residents as someone who made important contributions to the community by volunteering, being a community leader, person of achievement, or someone who represents the best of Canadians.

Among the recipients were members of Chatham-Kent Council, volunteers, and other local philanthropists.