Canadian Army honours the memory of Private Thomas Welch at memorial service
News Release
September 18, 2017 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, today honoured the memory of Private Thomas Welch at Garrison Petawawa.
Brigadier-General Stephen Cadden, Commander, 4th Canadian Division, presented members of Private Welch’s family with his Sacrifice Medal, Memorial Crosses, and Memorial Ribbons at a private memorial service held at Garrison Petawawa. The Sacrifice Medal is a tangible and lasting form of recognition for the sacrifices made by members of the Canadian Armed Forces killed or wounded in the line of duty. The Memorial Cross is a gift from Canada, issued as a memento of personal loss on the part of designated family members following the loss of Canadian Armed Forces personnel who died in service or whose death is attributed to their service. The Memorial Ribbon is presented designated family and loved ones as a memento of personal loss and sacrifice in respect of military personnel who lay down their lives for their country.
Private Welch tragically passed away on May 8, 2004 and today’s memorial service was held to honour his memory and pay tribute to his sacrifice.
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Quotes
“My thoughts are with the Welch family today as we remember Private Thomas Welch. His loss is a reminder that we can always do more to care for our members and to support their families.”
– Brigadier-General Stephen Cadden, Commander, 4th Canadian Division
“Private Thomas Welch was a proud member of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment. We are humbled to be able to honour him, alongside his family.”
– Lieutenant-Colonel Kris Reeves, Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment
Quick Facts
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The Canadian Army is committed to honouring and recognizing the valued contribution of its soldiers.
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The 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, is humbled to be able to honour Private Welch at this memorial service.
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The Sacrifice Medal was created in the context of increased casualties in overseas operations to fulfill the desire of Canadians and the Government to provide formal recognition, through the award of an official medal emanating from the Crown, to those who die as a result of military service or are wounded by hostile action.
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The Sacrifice Medal may also be awarded posthumously to any member of the Canadian Armed Forces who served on or after October 7, 2001, and died under honourable circumstances as a result of an injury or disease related to military service.
- The Memorial Cross is granted by Her Majesty’s Canadian Government as a memento of personal loss and sacrifice in respect of military personnel who lay down their lives for their country. The Memorial Cross is granted to up to three recipients previously identified by the member whose death is the result of an injury or disease related to military service, regardless of location.
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The Memorial Ribbon is presented by Her Majesty’s Canadian Government as a memento of personal loss and sacrifice in respect of military personnel who lay down their lives for their country. Up to five (5) Memorial Ribbons will be issued to close loved-ones who were not in receipt of a Memorial Cross.
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To receive a medal is a mark of honour and pride; however, the Sacrifice Medal, Memorial Crosses, and Memorial Ribbons are awarded under sombre and grave circumstances. Members of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, share their thoughts and prayers with the Welch family and honour the memory of Private Welch and his sacrifice.
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The Canadian Army will continue to support the Welch family through their healing process.
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National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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