OTTAWA, Ontario — The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today announced the first major changes in nearly 90 years to the Memorial Cross, Canada’s recognition for the loved ones of those who die in service.

In place of the previous system of granting the Memorial Cross to the deceased’s mother and widow, all Canadian Forces members will now choose who they wish to receive the Cross on their behalf. In addition, where the Cross in the past was granted exclusively for fatalities that occurred on foreign military operations, it will now be granted in recognition of any Canadian Forces member whose death is related to their military service, foreign or domestic.

“We must adapt to modern family, social and military circumstances,” said Minister O’Connor, “while preserving the original intent and purpose of the Memorial Cross – to honour those most affected by the loss of a loved one in the service of Canada.”

“The expansion of the Memorial Cross to include all those who die as a result of service—not just those in foreign military operations—is the fair and just thing to do,” said Minister Thompson. “If somebody’s death is related to their military service, it is worthy of recognition, whether it happens abroad or here at home in Canada.” 

The Memorial Cross has been in place since 1919 as a symbol of loss and sacrifice given by a grateful Government of Canada to the loved ones of those who have fallen in the service of their country.

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