I just saw a story on the CBC that a new Victoria Cross is possibly going to be awarded to the Canadian unkown soldier - much to the dismay of the Legion and other veterans groups. They argue that awarding our highest honour to this soldier is not in keeping with what the award is meant to stand for. I agree with them. The Queen is supposed to present the medal to PM Harper at the upcoming Vimy Ridge memorial services. I have a feeling that it will be used, at least in part, for political purposes to drum up support for the action in Afghanistan. The irony of that is that perhaps there is a deserving soldier serving (or that has served) there. Unfortunately for Harper, his critics would pounce on that even more.
Canada's Victoria Cross
- Thread starter dcbogey
- Start date
Hadn't heard about this but I would hope they don't follow thru. The VC is awarded for specific acts that are beyond the normal expectations of a soldier.
There must be a better way to honour what the " Unknown Soldier" represents than the VC. To me it would lower the standards that are set by VC winners.
There must be a better way to honour what the " Unknown Soldier" represents than the VC. To me it would lower the standards that are set by VC winners.
Yup - I'm there too. Awarding one of the most exclusive honours to the Unknown Soldier at Vimy is touching, but inappropriate to what the award stands for.
There are some who argue that a British honorific should not be the highest award to the Canadian Military. I can see the point, but given our shared history with the British and the fact that as late as WWII the Victoria Cross was still being awarded to Canadians, I don't really see the point of trying to create a new "Canadian" award. Basically I don't see the need to kill this tradition. Besides which, the valour of Canadian troops is at least equal to that of the British. Why shouldn't we then share the same honours?
But just not for the Unknown Soldier IMHO!
There are some who argue that a British honorific should not be the highest award to the Canadian Military. I can see the point, but given our shared history with the British and the fact that as late as WWII the Victoria Cross was still being awarded to Canadians, I don't really see the point of trying to create a new "Canadian" award. Basically I don't see the need to kill this tradition. Besides which, the valour of Canadian troops is at least equal to that of the British. Why shouldn't we then share the same honours?
But just not for the Unknown Soldier IMHO!
That is precisely what the Legion is saying. We have no idea who the Unknown Soldier is or his service record. When his remains were brought back to Canada and laid at the National War Memorial all the political parties and specific departments involved stated that placing the remains there would be the best and only way to honour him.LancsLad said:
I remember that but I think this was something more recent and the family ended up not selling the medal.
gilligan said:
Get of your little soap box little boy. The soldiers life is in peril as a result of what he is doing. While it is infinitely preferable to ensure the enemy die for their country rather than yourself, it can and does happen.
Grow up.
All soldiers are willing to die for their country. Do you suggest the VC be given to all soldiers?gilligan said:
danmand said:
While you clearly said that in jest, HRH QEII has served in the military. While she was Princess Elizabeth she served during WW2.
yes,thought it was a vc,hard to comprehend the discussion here after hearing that story,lol.dcbogey said:
Well, little buddie, after reading something like this, I now know why the skipper is always on your ass.gilligan said:
If you should choose to give the issue some rational thought, I suggest you contact the professor for help. I will be in the lagoon with Marianne, showing her my water snake.
gilligan said:
That wasn't ignorant at all, factual yes but ignorant no.
Given the nature of your posts on the topic a " meaningful" discussion is not possible.
It is a soldier lot to face death and most rational people don't want to die. The VC isn't about dying, many live, it is about an extraordinary moment that compels the recipient to act in manner that can not be ordered.
If you are older, whatever, say 30 instead of 20 you should have listened to the wrinklees when they spoke of WW2.
