Memorial Cross
The Memorial Cross is a medal of honour that has been awarded since 1919 to mothers, spouses or next of kin of Canadian Armed Forces members killed on active duty. This replica, roughly eight times the size of the medal worn around the neck, hangs above the entrance to the Memorial Chamber in the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill. Also above the entrance, a stone carving depicts a mother embracing her children and a recording angel keeping the names of those whose lives were lost at war.
The rendition is made of silver and bronze. Its design consists of a Greek cross surrounded by a laurel wreath, a classical symbol associated with heroes. A depiction of the Tudor Crown forms the top of the vertical arm of the cross. Versions of this crown have been used in coronation ceremonies since the 13th century, and here it represents the monarch’s prerogative of bestowing honours. The royal cypher at the centre of the cross (GRI) belongs to King George V, who was king when this replica was installed in 1928.