Smokey Smith, Canada’s last living Victoria Cross recipient, in 2004. He died nine months after this was taken in Italy, not far from where he earned it. Credit: Stephen J. Thorne
Military brass insists that the awarding of valour decorations—in this case, the Victoria Cross—is a merit-based exercise rooted in fact and timeliness, but history suggests otherwise.
Politics, racism, colonialism and other flaws and frailties have figured in the process since Queen Victoria created the medal for all ranks in 1856.
It is difficult today, looking at his dour expression in portraits or on a $5 bill, to believe that Wilfrid Laurier, who served as prime minister from 1896-1911, was so popular. Or so successful.
Laurier was a member of Parliament for 45 years, Liberal Party leader for 32 and the country’s first francophone prime minister, a position he held for 15 years.
Royal Canadian Legion, US Branch #25 