The Arctic Star medal recognizes Allied Veterans serving in the Arctic during the Second World War
VICTORIA, May 22, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today presented the first British Arctic Star medals to Canadian Armed Forces Veterans Norman George Alex Anderson, Edward Earl Dallin, Roland Jacques Lavallee, and James S. Russell at a ceremony in Victoria, British Columbia.
The Arctic Star, a military honour unveiled by the Government of the United Kingdom in 2012, is granted for operational service of any length north of the Arctic Circle from September 3, 1939, to May 8, 1945. It is available to all Commonwealth Forces, including members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Merchant Navy. The Government of Canada recently accepted the addition of the British Arctic Star to the Canadian Order of Precedence.
Many Canadians served on Allied convoys as they sailed across the Arctic Ocean during the Second World War to deliver vital supplies to the Soviet Union. Commonly known as the Murmansk Run, ships departed from North American ports and sailed to the northern Soviet Union in an effort to assist them in their fight against Germany. The mission is renowned for the brutal conditions and heavy casualties endured by the troops who served.
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Quote
"It is truly an honour to present the Arctic Star to these most deserving Canadian Veterans of the Second World War. We thank you for your courage, bravery and sacrifices in the extreme conditions of the Arctic."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs
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Government of Canada Presents First British Arctic Star Medals
The Government of Canada recently announced that eligible Canadian Veterans are now allowed to wear the Arctic Star in conjunction with other Second World War honours. This new medal was unveiled in 2012 by the British Government and is available to all Commonwealth Forces, including Canada.
The Arctic Star commemorates and recognizes the particular severity of the conditions experienced by those who served in the Arctic during the Second World War. Allied convoys sailed across the Arctic Ocean to deliver vital supplies to the Soviet Union. Commonly known as the Murmansk Run, during which troops endured brutal weather conditions and numerous casualties, ships departed from North American ports and sailed to the northern Soviet Union in an effort to assist them in their fight against Germany. Many Canadians bravely served on these ships.
Applications
Eligible Veterans and next-of-kin can now apply for the Arctic Star. To receive a copy of the application form or more information on the Arctic Star, contact Veterans Affairs Canada by calling, toll free, 1-866-522-2122, sending an e-mail to [email protected] or visiting veterans.gc.ca.
Terms
The Arctic Star is granted for operational service of any length, from September 3, 1939, to May 8, 1945 inclusive, north of the Arctic Circle (66 degrees, 32'N) on the Greenland Sea, Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea. The Arctic Star is intended to commemorate the Arctic convoys and is designed primarily for the ships of the convoys to the north Russia and their escorts.
Description
The Arctic Star is a yellow copper zinc alloy in the form of a six-pointed star. The obverse has a central design of the Royal and Imperial cypher, surmounted by a crown. The cypher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words "THE ARCTIC STAR." The Arctic Star ribbon has stripes of light blue, dark blue, red and white.
Image with caption: "Minister Julian Fantino joins recipients of the Arctic Star Medal (left to right) Mr. Edward Dallin, Mr. Roland Lavallee, Mr. James Russell and Mr. Norman Anderson following the inaugural Arctic Star Presentation Ceremony at the Lodge at Broadmead in Victoria, British Columbia. (CNW Group/Veterans Affairs Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140522_C9637_PHOTO_EN_40677.jpg
SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada
Nicholas Bergamini
Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
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