Silver Cross Mother
2020 - 2021
2020 - 2021
Debra Sullivan grew up in the countryside near Saint John, New Brunswick. She had two energetic children and rewarding work as a crisis counsellor, a truck driver and service in the Canadian Army Reserve
Debbie lost her son, Lieutenant Chris Saunders, on October 6, 2004, while he served with the Navy.
Peninsula Branch 62 President Kathy Campbell along with Poppy Chairperson Bonnie Jenkins presents Mrs. Debra Sullivan, a resident of the Kingston Peninsula, with a legion face mask for her trip to Ottawa. Mrs. Sullivan has been selected as the Silver Cross Mother for 2020-2021. Debra will be placing a wreath on November 11th at the National War Memorial on behalf of all Silver Cross Mothers.
From the Left: Poppy Chair Bonnie Jenkins, Silver
Cross Mother Debbie Sullivan, Branch President Kathy Campbell
Memorial Cross
Information
The Memorial Cross (more often referred to as the Silver Cross) was first instituted by Order-in-Council 2374, dated December 1, 1919. It was awarded to mothers and widows (next of kin) of Canadian soldiers who died on active duty or whose death was consequently attributed to such duty.
The crosses were sent automatically to mothers and wives who qualified, and could be worn by the recipients anytime, even though they were not themselves veterans. The cross was engraved with the name, rank and service number of the son or husband.
Recent changes now allow Canadian Forces members to designate up to three Memorial Cross recipients. This is specific to the Memorial Cross EIIR. For more information on these changes see below or visit the Department of National Defence Web site.