Rhino Factoids: Officer Neil

Seven years ago today, Neil Young was named an Officer of the Order of Canada, which sounds impressive no matter where you’re from, but it’s a legitimately big deal if you’re Canadian.

To explain just exactly what the Order of Canada is, we thought it would be best to go straight to the source, i.e. to the website of the Governor General of Canada, so here’s what it says in the opening paragraph of the Order of Canada page, word for word:

Established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System, and recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country. Since its creation, more than 6 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.

Oh, and Young received his honor the same year as hockey legend Mario Lemieux and Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman, lest you be concerned that he’s not in good company.