Perhaps the attrition rate in the Armed Forces would drop if there was a greater appreciation for their sacrifices, and they knew their families would be well taken care of in the worst case scenario. One such idea to help families of soldiers is being launched this September after Kevin Reed, a Toronto-area businessman who came up with the idea of getting Universities in Canada to offer free tuition to the children of fallen soldiers soldiers. So far four Universities are offering to cover the cost of tuition for the children of soldiers killed in service under “Project Hero”. They will be be available at Memorial University in Newfoundland, the University of Ottawa, the University of Windsor and the University of Calgary, and will cover four years:
“It’s the least we can do to express our respect and gratitude to members of our armed services who put their lives on the line for Canada everyday,” Allan Rock, the president of the University of Ottawa, told CTV News Channel Tuesday.
“At the university we feel this is a very tangible way to say to the families of the people that are serving for Canada, that we value their contribution and we want to do something to demonstrate that gratitude.”
He said that first-year residence fees would also be waived for those eligible.
“Hopefully it will take some pressure off families and reduce pressure,” he said.
The scholarships were launched by retired general Rick Hiller, who is now serving as chancellor of Memorial University in his native Newfoundland.
Well, they did say that Rick Hillier is a soldier’s soldier.
As for appreciating our soldier’s, you’ve heard of the Victoria Cross, given for valour in combat and named after the Queen of England. The VC was first introduced on in 1856 by Queen Victoria to reward acts of valour during the Crimean War, and is the highest military honour possible. There have only been 17 VC medals awarded since the Second World War.
Now Great Britain is launching a new medal, this time from Queen Elizabeth II, and will be called the Elizabeth Cross. It will be available to the relatives of all those killed in conflicts since the end of World War II. Canada has it’s own version of the Victoria Cross. Perhaps it would be a good idea to offer the Elizabeth Cross in Canada in keeping with our commonwealth traditions and our sovereign.
July 4, 2009 at 9:14 pm
This is a good idea, and considering the history of Canada’s treatment of it’s soldiers when they are no longer needed, we can only hope it’s the first of many steps in taking care of the soldier’s families.
Generous pensions for the widows, full health care for his family, job training for any member that needs it, would be helpful,too.
And for those that come back alive but damaged, complete care,whatever’s necessary, for as long as they live. We do the same for our MP’s and Senators, and they don’t provide nearly as valuable a service, nor do they risk their lives.
The soldiers need a lot more than a “well done, boys”,when they come home, let’s see they get it.
July 4, 2009 at 9:38 pm
England is not awarding a medal.
The UK might be, but not England.
Pisses me off as a former member of the Highland Regiment when folk equate England with the UK or Great Britain and N Ireland. Especially considering the disproportionate Celtic and Gaelic content of the UK Armed Forces.
The Scots, Irish and Welsh are seriously over represented in the UK military on a percentage basis.
July 4, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Dmorris,
I think there’s a greater consciousness now than there was before, about what our soldiers do and the pride of having a military that can take care of itself and provide it’s own transport and equipment. It’s a slow progression, but I think it’s there. It’s important to let soldiers know that things are going to be taken care if something happens to them. That kind of peace of mind means they can operate more efficiently in the field.
Harebell,
That was my mistake. I conflate England with Great Britain all the time. Funny, too, because my ancestry is Scottish.
The medal will be available to soldiers from England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
July 4, 2009 at 11:27 pm
The medals are nice, but I would rather see something more tangible for the families of soldiers. Free education is far better than a medal IMHO.
July 4, 2009 at 11:30 pm
[...] Unambiguously Ambidextrous, Raphael Alexander gives us “Helping The Children Of Canada’s Fallen Soldiers,” a report on “Project Hero,” a way the government of our neighbor to the north is [...]
July 5, 2009 at 3:08 am
Perhaps someone might correct me, but I thought that there was already such a medal. Anyone in the armed forces can designate a relative to receive a memorial star, or so I was under the impression.
July 5, 2009 at 4:43 am
Its called the Memorial Cross. Previously given to the Mothers of the Fallen, it has now been expanded to families. The Soldier can designate who he wants to receive this memorial.
In terms of commemoration and care of our ill and injured, Canada is in many ways ahead of the UK.
You should check out our websites for History and Heritage and DCSM – Director Casualty Support.
July 5, 2009 at 4:43 am
R Gillespie
Hello
You are correct – its the Memorial Cross and can be given to three persons related to the fallen member. Link attached:
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/view-news-afficher-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=2158
Barry6176
July 5, 2009 at 11:11 am
I found a picture of the memorial cross, and it looks almost the same as the one they’re launching in Britain. Query: why did it take Great Britain so much longer than Canada to institute this medal?