Canada Agrees to Review Afghan War Veteran Cases for Victoria Cross

The Canadian government has agreed to establish an independent review board for military honours, including the Victoria Cross.
The decision comes after a multiyear effort by Afghan war veterans to see the case of Pte. Jess Larochelle reconsidered for the Victoria Cross.
Larochelle was recognized with the Star of Military Valour in 2007 for his bravery in combat, but an online campaign argued that his actions deserved the Victoria Cross.
The independent review board will review cases where new evidence may suggest that the criteria for the Victoria Cross have been met.
The decision is seen as a significant step towards recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan.

The Canadian government's decision to establish an independent review board for military honours, including the Victoria Cross, is a significant step towards recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan. The decision comes after a multiyear effort by Afghan war veterans to see the case of Pte. Jess Larochelle reconsidered for the Victoria Cross. Larochelle was recognized with the Star of Military Valour in 2007 for his bravery in combat, but an online campaign argued that his actions deserved the Victoria Cross.

The independent review board will review cases where new evidence may suggest that the criteria for the Victoria Cross have been met. This decision is seen as a major victory for the veterans community, which has been advocating for greater recognition of the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan. The review board will provide an opportunity for veterans to have their cases reconsidered and potentially recognized with the highest military honour in Canada.

Victoria Cross Review: The Full Story Explained

The Victoria Cross is Canada's highest military honour, created in 1993. However, it has never been awarded to a Canadian soldier. The British Victoria Cross, on the other hand, has been presented to Canadians and other Commonwealth soldiers for extraordinary gallantry since the mid-19th century. The last time a Canadian earned this distinction was during the Second World War.

The decision to establish an independent review board for military honours is a result of a grassroots effort by Afghan war veterans, who have been advocating for greater recognition of their sacrifices. The online campaign, led by members of the Facebook group Valour in the Presence of the Enemy, argued that Larochelle's actions deserved to be recognized with the Victoria Cross. The campaign gained momentum, with several provincial legislatures passing motions in support of the establishment of an independent review board.

Historical Context: Has This Happened Before?

The concept of an independent review board for military honours is not new. In the past, similar boards have been established to review cases of soldiers who were denied recognition for their bravery. For example, during the Second World War, a review board was established to reconsider the cases of soldiers who were denied the Victoria Cross. This board led to the awarding of several Victoria Crosses to Canadian soldiers who had been previously overlooked.

In recent years, there have been several instances where the Canadian government has established independent review boards to examine specific issues related to the military. For example, in 2019, the government established a review board to examine the handling of sexual misconduct cases in the military. This board made several recommendations, which were implemented by the government.

Victoria Cross Review: Economic & Real-World Impact

The decision to establish an independent review board for military honours will have a significant impact on the veterans community. For many veterans, the recognition of their sacrifices is a matter of great importance. The establishment of the review board provides an opportunity for veterans to have their cases reconsidered and potentially recognized with the highest military honour in Canada.

The review board will also have an impact on the broader Canadian society. The recognition of the bravery and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan will serve as a reminder of the importance of the military and the role it plays in protecting Canadian interests. This will help to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of the military and its personnel.

Expert Analysis & What Comes Next

According to Bruce Moncur, a retired corporal who was wounded in Afghanistan, the establishment of the independent review board is a significant step towards recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers.

The establishment of the review board is a major victory for the veterans community. It provides an opportunity for veterans to have their cases reconsidered and potentially recognized with the highest military honour in Canada. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that the review board is effective and that the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers are properly recognized.

The next steps will involve the establishment of the review board and the review of cases where new evidence may suggest that the criteria for the Victoria Cross have been met. This process is expected to take several months, and the outcome is uncertain. However, the establishment of the review board is a significant step towards recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan.

What This Means For You: Practical Guidance

If you are a veteran who believes that your case deserves to be reconsidered for the Victoria Cross, you should contact the review board to submit your application. You will need to provide detailed information about your service and the actions that you believe deserve recognition. You should also be prepared to provide any additional information or evidence that the review board may request.

If you are a family member of a veteran who believes that their loved one's case deserves to be reconsidered, you should also contact the review board to submit an application. You will need to provide detailed information about the veteran's service and the actions that you believe deserve recognition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Victoria Cross?

The Victoria Cross is Canada's highest military honour, created in 1993. It is awarded to members of the Canadian Armed Forces who have demonstrated extraordinary gallantry and bravery in the face of the enemy.

How do I apply to have my case reconsidered for the Victoria Cross?

To apply to have your case reconsidered for the Victoria Cross, you should contact the review board and submit an application. You will need to provide detailed information about your service and the actions that you believe deserve recognition.

What is the process for reviewing cases for the Victoria Cross?

The process for reviewing cases for the Victoria Cross involves the submission of an application to the review board. The review board will then review the application and any additional information or evidence that is provided. The review board will make a recommendation to the government, which will then make a decision about whether to award the Victoria Cross.

How long will the review process take?

The review process is expected to take several months. The review board will need to review each application carefully and consider any additional information or evidence that is provided.

What are the criteria for the Victoria Cross?

The criteria for the Victoria Cross are set out in the Victoria Cross Regulations. To be eligible for the Victoria Cross, a member of the Canadian Armed Forces must have demonstrated extraordinary gallantry and bravery in the face of the enemy.

In conclusion, the establishment of an independent review board for military honours, including the Victoria Cross, is a significant step towards recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan. The review board will provide an opportunity for veterans to have their cases reconsidered and potentially recognized with the highest military honour in Canada. If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran who believes that your case deserves to be reconsidered, you should contact the review board to submit an application.

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