B.C. launches Memorial Cross licence plates

Capt Graeme Kaine, 39 CBG Public Affairs ~

Recipients of the Memorial Cross who live in British Columbia now have a new commemorative licence plate.

At a ceremony, held at the Beatty Street Drill Hall in Vancouver on Nov.10, Ron McCully was the first Memorial Cross recipient to receive the special plate.

“This new licence plate is meaningful for my family, as this pays tribute to my son, Corporal Matthew McCully,” he said. “Thank you to the B.C. government and ICBC for developing and producing this new licence plate for those of us who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.”

The Memorial Cross is an award that has been granted since 1919 to loved ones of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel who have died in service or whose death was attributed to their service. It is granted by the Government of Canada and is often referred to as the Silver Cross. In the past, it had only been given to mothers and widows, but recent changes now allow CAF personnel to designate up to three Memorial Cross recipients.

Besides British Columbia, Saskatchewan is the only other province that currently offers a Memorial Cross plate.

“The Canadian Armed Forces are delighted and humbled that the Government of British Columbia has decided to honour those who have died as a result of their military service to Canada, and the sacrifice of their loved ones who were left behind in such a meaningful way,” said Rear Admiral Art McDonald, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific. “This Memorial Cross licence plate will be a daily reminder of the sacrifices members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families make for their country, and I welcome this thoughtful initiative.”

The licence plate features purple letters on a white background, with the Memorial Cross symbol on the left and the Canadian flag on the right. Both front and rear plates will be issued, and both must be affixed to the vehicle.

There will be an ­additional option of a keepsake plate for Memorial Cross recipients who want to receive a plate, but not display it on their vehicle.

Official Memorial Cross recipients may request a B.C. Memorial Cross licence plate by contacting ICBC headquarters at 604-982-6467 or they can visit the website: www.icbc.com/vehicle-registration/licence-plates/Pages/memorial-cross-plates.aspx.

There is no fee for this special licence plate and Memorial Cross plates are only available to official Memorial Cross recipients. Memorial Cross eligibility is determined by the Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada.