2009-10-19 20:15:05 -

OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 10/19/09 -- Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, announced today that Canadians who either died or were wounded while serving with the Canadian Forces, will be honoured with the Sacrifice Medal.



"The selflessness demonstrated by the members of the Canadian Forces and the civilians working alongside them must be honoured," said the Governor General. "They are ready to put their health and their very lives on the line in the hopes that democracy, security and peace will prevail in places where these ideals have ceased to exist. For this, we must recognize their courage and their sacrifices."



The inaugural presentation of the Sacrifice Medal will be held at Rideau Hall during Remembrance Week, in November. Details of the ceremony and names of the recipients will be announced prior to the event.



For more information on the revised criteria for the Sacrifice Medal, please refer to the Department of National Defence news release.

Contacts:
For information on Canadian Honours
Rideau Hall Press Office
Annabelle Cloutier
613-993-2569
www.gg.ca :
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca :

For information on the Sacrifice Medal Eligibility Criteria
Department of National Defence
Media Liaison Office
1-866-377-0811 or 613-996-2353
www.forces.gc.ca :