The Royal Canadian Legion announced this year’s National Silver Cross Mother, Candy Greff, of Lacombe, AB. .Greff will have the honour of placing a wreath at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Remembrance Day on behalf of all mothers who have lost children in service to Canada..“Behind each fallen Veteran, is a story that resonates with us all,” Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion Bruce Julian said..“Mrs. Greff and her family’s story is one of sacrifice and fortitude and the gratitude we have for them is eternal. We thank them for sharing the joy and the pain, with all of Canada.”.Greff’s son, Master Cpl. Byron Greff was a member of the Third Battalion of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) based in Edmonton. He was a highly skilled soldier, also trained as a paratrooper. He was born on Aug.11, 1983, in Saskatchewan, and died on Oct. 29, 2011 while serving in Afghanistan. He was riding inside an armoured NATO bus when a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-filled car which impacted the bus. Greff was the last Canadian soldier to give his life in Afghanistan in the line of duty..The National Silver Cross Mother acts on behalf of all Canadian mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the line of service, be it in action or over the course of normal duty..The legion stated Mrs. Greff will openly share her story and be part of several events honouring Canada’s Fallen. She will remain in her national role until October 2023..The Memorial Cross, more commonly referred to as the Silver Cross, was introduced Dec. 1, 1919. It's a symbol of personal loss and sacrifice on behalf of widows and mothers who lose a child on active duty, or whose death is later attributed to such duty..The Royal Canadian Legion receives nominations for the National Silver Cross Mother role from Provincial Commands and individual Canadians each year..The final recipient is chosen by a Dominion Command selection committee.
