Crowning Valour: Unveiling Canada’s Highest Military Honour and Its Distinguished Companions

Introduction: The Enduring Call of Courage

Across civilizations and throughout history, the human spirit has consistently sought to acknowledge and immortalize acts of profound bravery, particularly those demonstrated amidst the chaos and peril of armed conflict. Such recognition serves not only to honour the individuals who exhibit extraordinary courage but also to reinforce the values of a nation and inspire future generations. Canada, a nation with a rich military heritage, has developed a distinctive system for recognizing military valour, a system that reflects its evolution from colonial ties to a fully independent identity.

This report delves into Canada’s highest military honours, meticulously examining their establishment, symbolic significance, and contemporary status. It addresses the central question of what constitutes supreme valour in the Canadian context, exploring the criteria, design, and the often-discussed rarity of its most esteemed award. The analysis extends beyond mere definitions, providing detailed historical context, statistical data, and a nuanced discussion of the factors influencing the bestowal of these vital decorations.

A compelling aspect of Canada’s approach to recognizing military heroism lies in the inherent tension between its historical legacy and its modern national identity. While the Victoria Cross has long been recognized as the pinnacle of military honour, a significant distinction exists between the British Victoria Cross, awarded to 99 Canadians prior to 1993, and the Canadian Victoria Cross, which, despite its establishment, has yet to be bestowed. This divergence highlights a subtle, yet profound, duality in how Canada perceives its military heroism—acknowledging its deep Commonwealth roots while simultaneously asserting its sovereign capacity to define and honour its own heroes. This dynamic forms a foundational element for understanding the contemporary significance and future trajectory of Canada’s military honours system.  

A Nation Forges Its Own Honours: The Path to a Distinct Canadian System

From Imperial Legacy to National Identity

The recognition of gallantry in what is now Canada predates the formal honours systems of European powers. Indigenous communities traditionally honoured courageous warriors not with medals, but through distinctive markings, the granting of chieftainship, and expressions of homage such as the right to speak first or a place of honour. Accomplishments were also signified through body painting, decorated domiciles, special clothing, and the adoption of symbols like feathers, which on the plains symbolized status and power earned through bravery in battle. During the era of New France, the primary honour for gallantry and distinguished service was the Ordre Royal et Militaire de Saint-Louis, established by King Louis XIV in 1693, with several Canadians admitted for military valour.  

Following the British conquest, the British Honours System became the primary mechanism for recognizing Canadian military personnel. This included the prestigious Victoria Cross (VC), instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856. Over the years, 99 British Victoria Crosses were awarded to Canadians or individuals with close Canadian ties for acts of valour, with the last such award for actions in 1945. Notable Canadian recipients of the British VC include Private Ernest “Smokey” Smith, the last living Canadian recipient of the Imperial Victoria Cross who passed away in 2005, Squadron Leader Ian W. Bazalgette, and Major David Vivian Currie, all recognized for their exceptional bravery during the Second World War.  

The mid-20th century marked a pivotal shift towards a distinct Canadian honours system. This movement gained momentum with Canada’s centennial in 1967, leading to the establishment of the Order of Canada. Further expansion occurred in 1972 with the institution of Canadian civilian bravery decorations, including the Cross of Valour, the Star of Courage, and the Medal of Bravery, designed to recognize individuals who risked their lives to save others. This transition was not merely an administrative change but a deliberate act of national identity formation. The decision to create distinctly Canadian awards, even when mirroring British counterparts, underscored Canada’s evolving sovereignty and its desire to define its own symbols of heroism. The subsequent alteration of the Victoria Cross’s inscription from the English “FOR VALOUR” to the Latin “PRO VALORE” in the Canadian version, for instance, was a conscious choice to accommodate Canada’s two official languages and further assert its distinct national character. This process was not without its political undercurrents, as discussions often reflected a tension between “Liberal nationalism and Conservative monarchism,” demonstrating a deliberate, rather than accidental, evolution in the honours system.  

Addressing the “Valour Gap”: The Genesis of Canadian Military Valour Decorations

Despite the establishment of civilian bravery decorations in 1972, a notable “valour gap” persisted within the Canadian honours system. There was no specific Canadian honour for gallantry in active combat against an armed enemy, particularly after Canada’s shift away from routinely using British military honours post-Korean War. This meant that while Canadians serving in peacekeeping missions might receive non-combat British gallantry honours, a distinct Canadian recognition for battlefield heroism was absent.  

This perceived gap spurred significant pressure from organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion and various veterans associations, who advocated strongly for the establishment of a Canadian Victoria Cross and other combat-specific decorations. Recognizing this need, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as Queen of Canada, officially instituted the Military Valour Decorations (MVDs) on January 1, 1993, with the announcement following on February 2, 1993. These new decorations were designed to be rank and service neutral, a significant departure from many of their British predecessors which often differentiated awards based on rank. This move solidified Canada’s commitment to a comprehensive and independent honours system, ensuring that acts of combat valour by its service members would be recognized through its own distinct national awards.  

The Victoria Cross (Canadian): An Emblem of Supreme Valour

Birth of a National Icon

The Canadian Victoria Cross (VC) stands as the apex of Canada’s military honours, representing the nation’s highest recognition for valour. Officially created on January 1, 1993, and announced on February 2, 1993, it directly replaced the British Victoria Cross for Canadians, ensuring a seamless continuity of the highest honour for battlefield courage. The physical Canadian Victoria Cross was publicly unveiled at Rideau Hall on May 16, 2008.  

The Unyielding Standard: Criteria for Award

The criteria for awarding the Canadian Victoria Cross are exceptionally stringent, reflecting its status as the nation’s supreme military honour. It is bestowed for “the most conspicuous bravery, a daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty, in the presence of the enemy”. The term “enemy” is broadly defined as a force hostile towards the Canadian Crown, encompassing armed mutineers, rebels, rioters, and pirates, and does not necessitate a formal declaration of war. The decoration may also be awarded posthumously. Recipients of the Victoria Cross are entitled to use the post-nominal letters V.C..  

Design Deep Dive: Symbolism in Every Detail

The Canadian Victoria Cross is a bronze straight-armed cross pattee, measuring 38 mm across, with raised edges. Its design, while fundamentally echoing the original British Victoria Cross, incorporates distinct Canadian elements.  

On the obverse, the cross features a lion statant guardant standing upon the Royal Crown, with a scroll positioned below the Crown bearing the inscription “PRO VALORE”. The choice of “PRO VALORE,” Latin for “For Valour,” is a deliberate departure from the British VC’s English inscription “FOR VALOUR.” This modification was specifically made to accommodate Canada’s two official languages, symbolizing a national recognition of heroism that transcends linguistic divides. The reverse of the cross is engraved with the date of the act for which the decoration is bestowed within a raised circle. The recipient’s rank, name, and unit are engraved on the back of the suspension bar. The ribbon is crimson and measures 38 mm in width, maintaining an identical appearance to its British predecessor. The overall insignia was designed by Captain Bruce Wilbur Beatty.  

A particularly unique and nationally significant aspect of the Canadian Victoria Cross is its material composition and manufacturing process. Unlike the British VC, which is traditionally reputed to be cast from Russian cannons captured at the Siege of Sevastopol (though later batches used Chinese cannons) , the Canadian VC is forged from a distinctive Canadian alloy. This alloy comprises three main components:  

1. Original British VC Gunmetal: A slice of the remaining cascabel from the original British Victoria Cross gunmetal was provided to Canada by the British Ministry of Defence, with the approval of Her Majesty The Queen.  
2. Confederation Medal Metal: Metal from the 1867 Confederation Medal, a large commemorative medallion commissioned by the Government of the new Dominion to mark Canada’s formation.  
3. Canadian Naturally Occurring Metals: Various naturally occurring metals, including copper, zinc, and lead, sourced from across Canada, symbolizing a connection to all regions of the country.  

This unique blend was meticulously formulated by expert metallurgists at Natural Resources Canada and melted together in an induction furnace on December 7, 2006, in Ottawa. The Royal Canadian Mint’s Engraving Department then created the patterns used for casting the medals. This manufacturing process underscores the Canadian VC as a truly national artifact, embodying both its historical lineage and its distinct Canadian identity.  

The Unbroken Seal: Why No Canadian VC Has Been Awarded

One of the most striking and frequently discussed facts about the Canadian Victoria Cross is that, despite its institution in 1993, zero Canadian Victoria Crosses have been awarded to date. This stands in stark contrast to the 99 British VCs awarded to Canadians historically. This creates a notable paradox: Canada possesses a supreme symbol of valour that has never been bestowed, leading to considerable public and internal military discussion.  

The official explanation for this absence, as articulated by then-Chief of the Defence Staff General Walter Natynczyk following a 2012 review of Military Valour Decorations, is that “no nomination for that campaign [Afghanistan] met the very high standard for this, the nation’s highest honour”. The Chief of the Defence Staff emphasized that the military would not “look for one” merely for the sake of awarding it, as this would diminish the honour’s value and Canada’s international reputation.  

However, the lack of awards has prompted deeper examination and speculation regarding the factors at play:

• Stringency of Criteria: The criteria for the Canadian VC are undeniably exceptionally high, demanding “most conspicuous bravery, a daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty, in the presence of the enemy”. This rigorous standard is intended to preserve the medal’s prestige.  
• Nature of Modern Conflicts: Some analyses suggest that the dynamics of modern warfare, characterized by asymmetric threats, advanced technology, and different combat engagements, may present fewer opportunities for the specific type of “daring or pre-eminent act” traditionally associated with VC awards.  
• Comparison to Historical Awards: It is important to note that direct comparisons between contemporary SMV citations and VCs awarded in earlier conflicts, such as the Anglo-Boer War or the First World War, can be misleading. Historically, the Victoria Cross was sometimes awarded more freely due to different concepts of warfare and the absence of intermediate gallantry decorations. Therefore, the threshold for a VC in previous eras might have differed from current interpretations.  
• Comparison with Allied Nations: The absence of a Canadian VC becomes particularly notable when considering that allied nations, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, have awarded their respective Victoria Crosses for actions in recent conflicts like Afghanistan and Iraq. This divergence raises questions about differing interpretations of the criteria, variations in operational realities, or perhaps distinct national military cultures regarding the recognition of extreme valour. For instance, the Australian and New Zealand VCs, while identical in appearance and made from similar gunmetal as the original British VC, have been awarded for contemporary actions.  
• Public and Academic Discussion: There is ongoing debate and scrutiny regarding the non-award, with some voices suggesting that political and bureaucratic influences may play a role. Concerns have been raised that a desire to further distance Canadian honours from their British trappings, or an internal perception that the Star of Military Valour serves as a sufficient equivalent, might contribute to the reluctance to award the Canadian VC. This perspective suggests that the “unbroken seal” is not solely a reflection of the absence of sufficient bravery but also a complex interplay of national identity, political will, and evolving interpretations of combat heroism. The fact that one Canadian VC was actually   cast but remains unawarded further underscores this nuanced situation.  

The persistent non-award of the Canadian Victoria Cross creates a compelling paradox: a supreme symbol of valour that has never been bestowed. This situation highlights a tension between the aspirational ideal of the VC and the practicalities of its award in modern military contexts. It prompts a deeper examination of whether the criteria are too rigid for contemporary warfare, or if other, less explicit, factors are influencing the decision-making process. This ongoing discussion impacts the public’s understanding of Canadian military heroism and the military’s internal morale regarding its most prestigious honours.

In the Presence of the Enemy: The Star and Medal of Military Valour

While the Victoria Cross represents the pinnacle of Canadian military honour, the Star of Military Valour (SMV) and the Medal of Military Valour (MMV) serve as the next highest valour decorations, forming a critical tiered system for recognizing gallantry in combat. These awards acknowledge acts of bravery that, while not meeting the exceptionally rare threshold of the Victoria Cross, are nonetheless distinguished and courageous in the face of the enemy.  

The Star of Military Valour (SMV): Courage Distinguished

The Star of Military Valour is awarded for “distinguished and valiant service in the presence of the enemy”. This criterion implies a high degree of bravery and significant impact in a combat scenario. The design of the SMV features a gold four-pointed star with a maple leaf in each angle. Superimposed in the centre is a roundel enamelled crimson, edged in gold, bearing a gold replica of the Victoria Cross. The inscription “PRO VALORE” appears on the reverse. The ribbon is crimson with two vertical white stripes. Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters S.M.V.. The insignia was designed by Captain Bruce Wilbur Beatty.  

As of December 31, 2022, 21 Star of Military Valour awards have been made. (Note: One source indicates 23 awards as of January 2022, including one posthumous award and six not gazetted for security reasons ). The vast majority of these awards have been for actions during Canada’s involvement in the Afghanistan War (2001-2014).  

The Medal of Military Valour (MMV): Acts of Bravery

The Medal of Military Valour is awarded for “an act of valour or devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy”. This decoration, while at the lowest tier of the military valour decorations, still signifies significant bravery and commitment in combat situations. The MMV is a circular gold medal, featuring a relief of the Victoria Cross surrounded by a laurel wreath on its obverse. The inscription “PRO VALORE” is present on the reverse. Its ribbon is crimson with three vertical white stripes. Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters M.M.V.. Like the SMV, the MMV insignia was designed by Captain Bruce Wilbur Beatty.  

As of December 31, 2022, 90 Medal of Military Valour awards have been made. This total includes 2 awards to members of the US Army, 1 posthumous award, and 5 awards that were not publicly gazetted for security reasons, leading to the Governor General’s website listing 84 awards. Similar to the SMV, the vast majority of MMV awards have been for actions during the Afghanistan War.  

The concentration of both Star of Military Valour and Medal of Military Valour awards in the Afghanistan War underscores its profound significance as the defining conflict for modern Canadian military valour. This period presented the primary theatre where Canadian forces consistently encountered the “presence of the enemy” as defined by the new honours system. The intensity and nature of operations in Afghanistan provided numerous instances for acts of combat heroism, highlighting a notable shift in Canada’s military role from primarily peacekeeping to active combat. This concentration means that these decorations are deeply intertwined with the Afghanistan conflict, shaping their public perception and the legacy of Canadian military involvement in that theatre.

Note: “a” after a date indicates a Government House date, meaning the award was not announced in the Canada Gazette. “h” after a date means it was announced in the Annual Honours and Recognition Book produced by the Canadian Forces. Names not announced are members of The CANSOFCOM or CDI whose identities cannot be released for security reasons.

The Weight of Honour: The Award Process and National Significance

From Battlefield Nomination to Rideau Hall Investiture

The journey from an act of valour on the battlefield to formal recognition is a multi-stage process governed by strict protocols to ensure the integrity and prestige of Canadian military honours.

Nomination Process: Recommendations for Military Valour Decorations should ideally be initiated as soon as possible after the incident, typically within one month, to ensure that memories are fresh and witness statements can be accurately collected. The nomination then proceeds through the military chain of command to the Directorate of Honours and Recognition (DH&R) at National Defence Headquarters. The DH&R is responsible for managing the program, while the Chancellery of Honours, acting on behalf of the Governor General, oversees the overall administration of Canadian honours. A critical step involves the Military Valour Decorations Advisory Committee, which is part of the Chancellery of Honours. This committee reviews nominations and makes recommendations to the Governor General via the Chief of the Defence Staff. The guidelines emphasize that MVDs are reserved for “the bravest of the brave,” those who “willingly and knowingly sacrifice themselves for others, or set an extreme example of devotion to duty”. Commanders also receive guidance on the proportion of recommendations that should be put forward, ensuring a balance between immediate and periodic awards. Final appointments are formally confirmed by an instrument signed by the Governor General.  

Ceremonial Presentation (Investiture): The formal presentation of these honours, known as an investiture, is a solemn and dignified ceremony. These events are typically conducted under the auspices of the Governor General and usually take place at Rideau Hall in Ottawa or La Citadelle in Quebec City. Recipients are invited to attend with a primary guest—defined as a spouse, partner, or primary next of kin—whose travel expenses are reimbursed. An additional guest may also attend at the recipient’s own expense. Initial notification of an award is conveyed through the recipient’s chain of command, followed by an email from the DH&R detailing the investiture arrangements. The prescribed dress code for these ceremonies is Ceremonial 1A (tunic – decorations). From the moment the Governor General signs the instrument of award, recipients are entitled to public recognition, including the right to wear undress ribbons, miniatures, and use authorized post-nominal letters. The names of recipients are also made public on the Governor General’s website.  

This highly structured, multi-layered process, while designed to ensure rigor and fairness in honouring exceptional bravery, can sometimes be perceived as cumbersome. Anecdotal accounts suggest that the bureaucratic hurdles and “red tape” involved in the nomination process, coupled with the need for approval from “exhausting levels of brass,” can inadvertently create barriers to timely recognition for deserving individuals. This tension between the meticulous procedural requirements and the desire for prompt acknowledgement highlights a challenge in the system.  

Public Consciousness and the Legacy of Valour

Canada’s military honours, particularly the Victoria Cross, Star of Military Valour, and Medal of Military Valour, serve as potent symbols of Canadian values, courage, and sacrifice. They play a crucial role in shaping national identity and fostering remembrance, highlighting exemplary conduct within the Canadian Armed Forces.  

Despite their profound significance, public awareness of these military honours and their recipients, especially for the SMV and MMV, can be limited. While overall public perception of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is generally positive, with a significant majority viewing the CAF as a vital national institution and a source of pride, awareness of specific military activities and the individuals recognized for their valour may fluctuate. Recent surveys indicate that just over one-third of Canadians had recently seen, read, or heard something about the CAF, reflecting a continued decrease in awareness compared to previous years.  

The challenge in translating military heroism into broader national narratives is complex. It may be influenced by a societal discomfort with overt militarism, as some academic perspectives suggest a “militarization of national identity” where expressions of Canadian nationalism become increasingly “Americanized” and focused on “supporting our troops” rather than deeper engagement with military realities. This can lead to a disconnect between the official reverence for these honours and the general public’s knowledge of the specific acts of bravery they represent. The effectiveness of the honours system in shaping national identity and inspiring future generations therefore depends not only on the acts of valour themselves but also on the efficiency of the recognition process and deliberate efforts to communicate these stories to the public.  

A Broader Tapestry: Military Valour in the Canadian Honours System

The Military Valour Decorations, while paramount for combat heroism, exist within a comprehensive Canadian Honours System designed to recognize a wide spectrum of contributions and sacrifices. This broader framework includes various orders, other decorations, and medals, each serving a distinct purpose in acknowledging service to Canada.

Beyond the Military Valour Decorations, other significant honours include:

• Meritorious Service Decorations (MSC/MSM): Established in 1984 (military division) and 1991 (civil division), these decorations recognize outstanding deeds or activities that have been performed in an outstandingly professional manner, bringing considerable benefit or great honour to the Canadian Forces or to Canada. Unlike the valour awards, these are not necessarily for actions “in the presence of the enemy.” As of December 31, 2023, 283 Meritorious Service Crosses (military division) have been awarded.  
• Sacrifice Medal (SM): Created to replace the Wound Stripe, the Sacrifice Medal is awarded to members of the Canadian Forces or allied forces who are wounded or killed in action, or who die under honourable circumstances as a direct result of military service, particularly for service on or after October 7, 2001. The medal’s symbolism is profound: black represents mourning and the shock of wounds, red symbolizes spilled blood, and white signifies hope for a better future, with red and white also being Canada’s official colours.  

The existence of these diverse military honours demonstrates that Canada’s system is designed to recognize a broad spectrum of military contributions beyond direct combat valour. This comprehensive approach acknowledges service ranging from leadership and professional excellence to the ultimate sacrifice. The clear differentiation between “valour” (requiring the presence of the enemy) and “meritorious service” (for outstanding professional conduct) is fundamental to understanding the specific niche and distinct prestige of the Victoria Cross, Star of Military Valour, and Medal of Military Valour. This broader context reinforces the specific focus of the valour decorations, as they stand distinct in their criteria for direct combat heroism, while other medals recognize other vital aspects of military service.

Echoes of Valour: The Enduring Importance of Recognition

Comparison with Allies

Canada’s military honours system, particularly its Victoria Cross, shares a common heritage with those of its Commonwealth allies, yet also exhibits unique national characteristics and differing award rates.

• United Kingdom Victoria Cross (UK VC): Established in 1856, the UK VC is awarded for “most conspicuous bravery… in the presence of the enemy”. Historically, it was believed to be cast from Russian cannons captured at Sevastopol, though later batches used Chinese cannons due to exhaustion of the original supply. A single company, Hancocks & Co, has produced every UK VC. A total of 1,358 UK VCs have been awarded. The UK has awarded VCs in modern conflicts, including Afghanistan.  
• Australian Victoria Cross for Australia (VC-A): Instituted on January 15, 1991, the VC-A maintains an identical appearance to the British VC and is also made from original gunmetal. Its criteria are for “most conspicuous gallantry… in the presence of the enemy”. Five VC-As have been awarded, primarily for actions in the War in Afghanistan, and one posthumously for World War II.  
• New Zealand Victoria Cross for New Zealand (VC-NZ): Created in 1999, the VC-NZ is identical in design to the British and Australian VCs and also uses original gunmetal. It is awarded for “most conspicuous gallantry… in the face of the enemy or belligerents”. To date, only one VC-NZ has been awarded, to Corporal Willie Apiata in 2007.  
• United States Medal of Honor (MoH): The nation’s highest military award for valour, the MoH is presented for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty”. There are three versions (Army, Navy, Air Force), and over 3,500 recipients across various conflicts, with 19 individuals receiving it twice. The nomination process for the MoH is rigorous, originating through the chain of command or Congress and culminating with the President’s approval.  

While the Commonwealth VCs share a common design heritage, a crimson ribbon, and similar “in presence of the enemy” criteria, Canada’s unique alloy and “PRO VALORE” inscription distinguish its version. A particularly striking observation arises from the differing award rates: despite similar criteria, Canada stands as an outlier with zero Victoria Cross awards since 1993, while its allies have bestowed theirs for contemporary conflicts. This suggests that the interpretation and application of these high standards vary significantly across nations. These differences could stem from nuanced interpretations of “in the presence of the enemy” or “above and beyond the call of duty,” distinct national military cultures, or even political considerations influencing the recognition process. The United States Medal of Honor, while distinct in design and history, shares the core intent of recognizing “above and beyond” bravery, but its higher frequency of award compared to the Canadian VC implies a different threshold or cultural approach to recognition. This comparative analysis reveals that “valour” is not a universally applied metric, but rather a concept shaped by national context and the specific mechanisms of its recognition. The absence of a Canadian VC award, therefore, becomes a point of national introspection regarding its military identity and the value it places on extreme combat heroism in the modern era.  

Future Prospects: Is a Canadian VC Likely?

The question of whether a Canadian Victoria Cross will eventually be awarded remains a topic of considerable discussion. The official stance maintains that no nomination has yet met the exceptionally high standard required for this honour. However, the ongoing debate and perceived bureaucratic or political reluctance, as highlighted by some commentators, suggest that factors beyond the sheer bravery of an act may influence the decision-making process.  

While the criteria are exceedingly high, the possibility of a Canadian VC being awarded is not entirely out of reach. It would likely hinge on an act of truly “most conspicuous bravery” that unequivocally surpasses the already distinguished actions recognized by the Star of Military Valour. Such an award might also necessitate a potential shift in official interpretation of the criteria or a renewed public and political will to see Canada’s highest honour finally bestowed.

Conclusion: The Enduring Respect for Courage

Canada’s system of military honours, particularly the Victoria Cross, Star of Military Valour, and Medal of Military Valour, stands as a testament to the nation’s profound respect for extraordinary courage and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy. While the Canadian Victoria Cross remains unawarded since its institution in 1993, its existence symbolizes the nation’s commitment to recognizing supreme valour independently. The Star of Military Valour and Medal of Military Valour, primarily awarded for gallantry in Afghanistan, have honoured numerous individuals whose actions exemplify the highest ideals of military service.

These honours are more than mere medals; they are tangible symbols deeply woven into the fabric of Canadian national identity and remembrance. They serve as powerful reminders of the sacrifices made and the bravery displayed by those who serve. The reverence for Canada’s military valour decorations reflects a deep-seated human need to acknowledge exceptional acts. This spirit extends beyond official state honours, as communities and organizations also value the enduring tradition of creating symbols of distinction to celebrate accomplishments. Many turn to expert providers of recognition awards to help them design meaningful tributes. Whether for bravery, long service, sporting prowess, or community contribution, designing custom medals for achievements provides a tangible and lasting way to honour individuals and reinforce values, echoing the principles behind even the most esteemed national honours. The enduring importance of recognizing valour, in all its forms, remains a cornerstone of Canadian society.