«Internationally renowned singer, you have created with the people from here real alive bounds both for your Love for the French language and your attachment to Quebec. In a few moments, you will join a line of exceptional people. Your name will be engraved on a monument near the St. Lawrence, this majestic river, Quebec’s emblem, which is on the insignia that will give you our Prime Minister.»

Monique Vézina, Vice-President of the Board for the Order.

«You have promoted our culture while singing tunes from our most illustrious artists such as Jean-Pierre Ferland, Gilles Vigneault and Leonard Cohen. You had a crush for Quebec, and the Quebecers gave you back that affection. As an Ambassador, you have carried your message everywhere, throughout the world, essentially for the defence of children's rights. You are an exceptional woman. Nana Mouskouri, it is an honour for me to welcome you and to present you, on behalf of the people of Quebec, with the insignia of officer of the National Order of Quebec.»

Pauline Marois, Prime Minister of Quebec.

«It is a privilege, an honour and a great distinction that fill me with pride. It is an immense emotion. It is also a responsibility that I feel. It's been half a century since I discovered this beautiful country. You adopted me and that was the beginning of a long love affair with Quebec and Canada. Your culture has enriched my values. We loved each other. We still do. Thanks for making me feel today that I'm coming back home.»

Nana Mouskouri, officer of the National Order of Quebec.

So Nana Mouskouri becomes the 52nd foreign personality who receives that recognition and she is part of a group of 841 members. With that appointment, she will have the privilege to use the following initials after her name: O. Q. (Officer of the National Order of Quebec).

Like the personalities who obtain the title of Knight and Grand Officer, the insignia is based of the cross and the fleurs-de-lis of Quebec’s flag. The ribbon incorporates the blue and white of the Fleurdelysé.

On that occasion, nearly 2,000 chairs are set up under a hug big top in the front yard of the lower campus. The big red carpet is rolled out and we are getting ready for a major ceremony for graduates. Shortly before 10:00, they are arriving. All of them wear a black toga and a mortar. Then a cortege of fifty officials is going to the stage to have a seat. Nana is one of them. She wears a red and turquoise toga and a hat.

A little later, Professor Heather Munroe-Blum, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, praises her brilliant singing career, her social and humanitarian commitment. She also recalls her friendship with Quebec and Canada since her first visit with Harry Belafonte. Then, Dr. Vasilios Papadopoulos, FAAS Department of Medicine, hoods her and the Chancellor M. H. Arnold Steinberg, CM, gives her the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters.  

Moved, Nana speaks. She evokes the context of war in which she grew up and that led her to seek Peace, Love, Humanity, Comprehension, Justice and Dignity. In the 60s, she came with her Greek songs. Bonds were established with Quebec. Then her impresario Samuel Gesser made ​​her known across the country. That is why she wants to share this honour with Greece and Canada. Grateful, Nana says: «With this invitation, you made me understand that the way I choose was the right one». Her emocional speech has much to inspire all the students seeking success.

That ceremony where pride was honored lasted two and a half hours. Some 800 students were awarded their diploma. Also present, two personalities to whom the university decided to award a doctorate in recognition of their work: Nana and Judith Butler, American philosopher who did a lot for advancing the feminist cause.