Virginia Hicks, a resident of Frankford, Ontario, has been honored as this year's National Silver Cross Mother by the Royal Canadian Legion. This prestigious recognition highlights her significant service and personal sacrifice in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Hicks had a distinguished military career spanning nearly 29 years with the Royal Canadian Air Force, where she specialized in supply and logistics. Her service included deployments to various global locations, such as the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Italy. After retiring from the regular forces in 2008, she continued to serve as a full-time reservist, taking on this role until 2017.
In an interview, Hicks described receiving the award as “a little overwhelming,” acknowledging that it was an unexpected honor bestowed upon her. On November 11, she is set to place a wreath at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. This act will honor all Canadian mothers and families who have suffered the loss of a child in military service. Her participation carries additional weight this year due to the recent tragedy involving military personnel at CFB Wainwright in Alberta.
Tragically, Hicks' own daughter, Sapper Mariebeth Short, lost her life during a training exercise in Petawawa in 2002, when the light armored vehicle she was in rolled over. An investigation later attributed the accident to a defect in the vehicle's wheel assembly. Hicks poignantly recalls the fateful day when military officials arrived at her home to inform her of the devastating news. “I was stunned and asked him to repeat himself. Brian was beside himself with grief and I knew then I had lost my little girl,” she shared, reflecting on her heartbreaking experience.
Hicks was awarded the Silver Cross in 2009 following her daughter's death. Interestingly, she admits to not being fully aware that the Silver Cross is dedicated to all who have lost a child in service to Canada, not exclusively to those killed in combat. This revelation prompted her to highlight the importance of the Medal during her tenure as Canada’s National Silver Cross Mother. She hopes to increase public awareness about the honor and alleviate the confusion surrounding its significance.
As she takes on this meaningful role, Virginia Hicks aims to foster understanding and recognition of the sacrifices made by families of military personnel. By educating others about the Silver Cross and the stories of loss and courage within military families, she intends to honor her daughter's memory and the memories of countless others who have endured similar grief.
