Thursday 2nd July 2009 - 14:00:05
Britain's Queen Elizabeth has created a new award to honour the families of fallen soldiers.
The 83-year-old monarch personally came up with the medal - named the Elizabeth Cross - to present to the families and loved-ones of the 8,000 British soldiers killed since World War II ended in 1945.
A source said: "It was Her Majesty's own idea. She told the Chief of Defence staff she wanted to put her name to it."
Before Elizabeth's request, the Ministry of Defence had planned to present dead soldiers' families with a simple brooch.
It was Her Majesty's own idea. She told the Chief of Defence staff she wanted to put her name to it.
However, it has been reported the royal was so moved by the stories of the 348 heroes fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan she wanted to personally recognise their courage and bravery.
In a radio message to the armed forces on the British Forces Broadcasting Service yesterday (01.07.09), Elizabeth said: "I greatly hope that the Elizabeth Cross will give further meaning to the nation's debt of gratitude to the families and loved ones of those who have died in the service of our country.
"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 Cross - which will not be an official medal - will be made of silver and the corners will represent the English rose, the Scottish thistle, the Irish shamrock and the Welsh daffodil.
It is the first time a member of the royal family has given their name to an award since her father King George VI created the George Cross in 1940.
Readers' Comments
Be the first to comment!