The Memorial Cross

Instituted in 1919, the Memorial Cross (also known as the Silver Cross) remains a symbol of Canadian military sacrifice and remembrance. Awarded to the next of kin of Canadian service personnel who died on active duty or whose death is attributable to duty, the small silver decoration was originally granted to widows and mothers of slain soldiers, as a physical memento and tribute to their honour and loss. The cross could be worn at any time, even though the recipients themselves were not veterans. Over time and through shifting attitudes surrounding Canadian culture, the Memorial Cross remains one of the most iconic symbols of military service and sacrifice.

Originally awarded in commemoration of service personnel who fought during the First World War, the Memorial Cross was subsequently extended in 1940 to include merchant seaman, and civilian firefighters and personnel who fought during the Second World War. In 1950, the cross was revived to incorporate service in the Korean War and in peacekeeping operations. Following a major review of the criteria in 2007, the eligibility for the cross was expanded to all service related deaths and up to three recipients could be designated, regardless of gender. This change was retroactively implemented to 2001, to incorporate the deaths associated with the international campaign against terrorism. The memorial cross has been granted over 90,000 times since inception, demonstrating the astonishing number of individuals who have given their lives for their country.

The decoration was proposed in September 1916, by Canadian novelist William Alexander Fraser, via a letter printed in the Toronto's Mail and Empire. He argued a silver cross could be a physical tribute to the mothers of soldiers lost to war, a symbol of mourning and respect. The Memorial cross was officially instituted three years later, in December 1919, for mothers and wives.

Composed of sterling silver and measuring 32 mm, the cross is adorned by a maple leaf at the tip of the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock arms, along with a central royal cypher of the Monarch (GRI for King George the Fifth, GVIR for King George the Sixth or EIIR for Queen Elizabeth the Second). It was worn on a thin purple neck ribbon until 1945, when a horizontal suspension bar was attached. The reverse of the cross was engraved with the soldiers' name, rank and service number, forever connecting the decoration to a life and story. A simple, small token for bereaved kin of a sailor, soldier or airman who laid down their life for their country.