Post by hans1928 on Jul 8, 2009 17:45:23 GMT
In a message dated 08/07/2009 13:51:31 GMT Daylight Time, chiefexec@rma.org.uk writes:
Elizabeth Cross honours families of fallen troops
A History and Honour news article
1 Jul 09
Her Majesty The Queen has given her name to a new form of recognition for the families of British Service personnel killed while serving their country, Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth has announced today, Wednesday 1 July 2009.
The new Elizabeth Cross and miniature are to be awarded to the relatives of Her Majesty's Forces personnel killed on active service, together with a Memorial Scroll signed by Her Majesty The Queen
[Picture: Sgt Andy Malthouse, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
The Elizabeth Cross will be granted to the next of kin of Armed Forces personnel killed on operations or as a result of terrorism in a mark of national recognition for their loss.
This is the first time the name of a reigning monarch has been given to a new award since the George Cross was instituted in 1940 by King George VI for acts of bravery by both civilians and the military. Prior to this, the Victoria Cross was introduced by Queen Victoria in 1856 for acts of gallantry by the Armed Forces.
Next of kin will receive the Elizabeth Cross - a sterling silver emblem in the shape of a cross over a wreath - plus a Memorial Scroll signed by The Queen which will bear the name of the person who died.
The Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll will not just be granted to families who have lost loved ones in the recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan; The Queen's recognition will also be available to the families of those who died in conflicts dating back to 1948, including the Korean War, the Falklands conflict and operations in Northern Ireland.
The new Elizabeth Cross
[Picture: Sgt Andy Malthouse, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
In a message to Her Armed Forces, Her Majesty The Queen said:
"This seems to me a right and proper way of showing our enduring debt to those who are killed while actively protecting what is most dear to us all. The solemn dignity which we attach to the names of those who have fallen is deeply engrained in our national character. As a people, we accord this ultimate sacrifice the highest honour and respect." (See below for Her Majesty's full statement)
Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, said:
"I hope that the families of those who have given their lives will wear the Elizabeth Cross with pride and pass it on to future generations so that they too might know the price that has been paid for their freedom and way of life."
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said:
"We owe so much to those who have died to protect our country and our way of life. The Elizabeth Cross was recommended by the military chiefs to Her Majesty to recognise the huge debt this country owes to the families those brave individuals have left behind."
Elizabeth Cross honours families of fallen troops
A History and Honour news article
1 Jul 09
Her Majesty The Queen has given her name to a new form of recognition for the families of British Service personnel killed while serving their country, Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth has announced today, Wednesday 1 July 2009.
The new Elizabeth Cross and miniature are to be awarded to the relatives of Her Majesty's Forces personnel killed on active service, together with a Memorial Scroll signed by Her Majesty The Queen
[Picture: Sgt Andy Malthouse, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
The Elizabeth Cross will be granted to the next of kin of Armed Forces personnel killed on operations or as a result of terrorism in a mark of national recognition for their loss.
This is the first time the name of a reigning monarch has been given to a new award since the George Cross was instituted in 1940 by King George VI for acts of bravery by both civilians and the military. Prior to this, the Victoria Cross was introduced by Queen Victoria in 1856 for acts of gallantry by the Armed Forces.
Next of kin will receive the Elizabeth Cross - a sterling silver emblem in the shape of a cross over a wreath - plus a Memorial Scroll signed by The Queen which will bear the name of the person who died.
The Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll will not just be granted to families who have lost loved ones in the recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan; The Queen's recognition will also be available to the families of those who died in conflicts dating back to 1948, including the Korean War, the Falklands conflict and operations in Northern Ireland.
The new Elizabeth Cross
[Picture: Sgt Andy Malthouse, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
In a message to Her Armed Forces, Her Majesty The Queen said:
"This seems to me a right and proper way of showing our enduring debt to those who are killed while actively protecting what is most dear to us all. The solemn dignity which we attach to the names of those who have fallen is deeply engrained in our national character. As a people, we accord this ultimate sacrifice the highest honour and respect." (See below for Her Majesty's full statement)
Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, said:
"I hope that the families of those who have given their lives will wear the Elizabeth Cross with pride and pass it on to future generations so that they too might know the price that has been paid for their freedom and way of life."
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said:
"We owe so much to those who have died to protect our country and our way of life. The Elizabeth Cross was recommended by the military chiefs to Her Majesty to recognise the huge debt this country owes to the families those brave individuals have left behind."