PM honours troops with Sacrifice Medal

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today participated in the inaugural presentations of the newly-created Sacrifice Medal at Rideau Hall.  The Sacrifice Medal formally recognizes those Canadians who have either been wounded or who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of their country during military service.  Forty-six medals were bestowed today in the name of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second.

“Time and again, Canadians have proven themselves to be among the bravest, most skilled and most successful soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen on earth,” said the Prime Minister.  “I want to thank each and every one of today’s recipients, as well as their families and loved ones, for nobly upholding Canada’s proud tradition of courage and sacrifice in the face of any odds.”

The Sacrifice Medal was created to provide a lasting form of recognition for the members of the Canadian Forces as well as other eligible recipients who have been wounded or killed in action, and to Canadian Forces members who died as a result of service.  First announced in August 2008, the Medals are awarded to those who have been serving under Canadian military command since October 7, 2001.

“The Sacrifice Medal is one small way to pay tribute to those Canadians who have given so much in the name of their country,” said Prime Minister Harper.  “The sacrifices made are the extraordinary acts of people devoted to their fellow human beings and Canada.”