Royal Canadian Legion announces 2021-2022 National Silver Cross Mother

Submitted | November 4, 2021 | National

Photo of woman, hair down, black t-shirt, silver cross pinned to shirt — 2021 National Silver Cross Mother – Mrs. Josée Simard. (Submitted photo)

OTTAWA – The Royal Canadian Legion is honoured to name this year’s National Silver Cross Mother, Mme Josée Simard of Les Méchins, Québec.

She will place a wreath at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Remembrance Day and will represent all Silver Cross Mothers across Canada until October 2022.

“The symbolism of her role resonates deeply within us all,” says Bruce Julian, Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion. “Mme Simard’s bravery and willingness to share her family’s story reminds us of the incredible sacrifices made on our behalf and we must always Remember.”

Mme Simard’s daughter, Cpl. Karine Blais was a Trooper in the Canadian Army, described as an energetic person, passionate about the Canadian Armed Forces. She was born on January 4, 1988 in Cowansville, QC. Karine died on April 13, 2009 when the armoured vehicle she was traveling in struck a roadside bomb near Kandahar, Afghanistan.

When the National Silver Cross Mother places a wreath on November 11, she will do so on behalf of all Canadian mothers who have lost a son or daughter in action, or over the course of normal duty.

Military portrait of woman in brown camoflauge uniform, Canada flag in background — Trooper Karine Blais died in April, 2009 alongside four soldiers who were seriously wounded when their armoured vehicle struck a roadside bomb near Kandahar, Afghanistan. (Submitted photo)

From November 1, 2021 to October 31, 2022, Mme Simard will share her story publicly, and attend various events honouring Canada’s Fallen.

The Memorial Cross - more commonly referred to as the Silver Cross - was introduced on December 1, 1919. It is a symbol of personal loss and sacrifice on behalf of widows and mothers who lose a child on active duty, or whose death is later attributed to such duty.

The Royal Canadian Legion receives nominations for the National Silver Cross Mother role from Provincial Commands and individual Canadians each year. The final recipient is chosen by a Dominion Command selection committee.

Read more about Mme Simard and her daughter Karine at Legion.ca.