NR - 09.004 - January 15, 2009
OTTAWA - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, and the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today announced revisions to the regulations of the Memorial Cross, a memento granted since 1919 to the loved ones of deceased Canadian Forces (CF) personnel. The families of all CF members who have died, or die, as a result of military service after October 6, 2001 will now be recognized by the grant of up to three Memorial Crosses. This much welcome change ensures that all service-related deaths, which occurred since the beginning of the CF's involvement in the international campaign against terrorism, are duly recognized and treated equitably.
"The change ensures the families of our fallen CF members, since the beginning of the current campaign, receive the full expression of sorrow and sympathy for their loss", said Minister MacKay. "The government of Canada is committed to officially recognize the loss of families for service to the nation," he said. Minister Thompson added, "We hope this announcement will be warmly welcomed by all those families now eligible for such a powerful symbol of our nation's humble gratitude for their sacrifice."
The regulations of the Memorial Cross were previously revised in January 2007, the first major review in 90 years, so that all service-related deaths were to be recognized, not only those that occurred in overseas mission, such as Afghanistan. At that time, another important change affected the number of Memorial Crosses presented to the families, increasing from two to three recipients as previously designated by the deceased CF member. Today's revision was made to ensure that all CF personnel who died since October 7, 2001 are also recognized in a similar fashion.
The presentation of the Memorial Crosses to the newly eligible recipients will happen at a later date in consultation with the families.
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Any inquiries from CF families are to be directed as follows:
For CF members deceased in service after October 6, 2001:
The Directorate of Honours and Recognition (DH&R) of the Department of National Defence is responsible for the administration of the Memorial Cross for serving members who die after October 6, 2001. Questions related to these cases may be directed to the DH&R Casualty Recognition Clerk at 613-949-0429 or at 1-877-741-8332.
For CF members who retired before October 7, 2001:
The Honours and Awards Section of Veterans Affairs Canada is the authority responsible for the initial issue and replacement of the Memorial Cross for deaths related to the two World Wars, the Korean War and other operations until October 6, 2001 as well as when retired members die. They can be reached at 613-995-5003 or at 1-877-995-5003.
For further information on the Memorial Cross, please visit the Department of Defence Canadian Honours chart website at: http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhr-ddhr/chc-tdh/index-eng.asp
