National Silver Cross Mother

The Memorial Cross (more often referred to as the Silver Cross) was first authorized on December 1, 1919 as a memento of personal loss and sacrifice on the part of widows and mothers of Canadian sailors, aviators and soldiers who died for their country during the war.

Today, the National Silver Cross Mother is chosen by the Legion among nominations made by Legion Provincial Commands and individuals to represent the mothers of Canada at the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa. During her tenure, which starts on November 1, the National Silver Cross Mother fulfills other official functions.

Biography

Mrs. Josée Simard

Josée Simard grew up with a brother and three sisters in a scenic part of northern Québec’s Bas-Saint-Laurent region known as Les Méchins. She describes her early childhood as happy and carefree. Over the years, she has worked extensively in public-facing roles for a variety of organizations such as the RFRM in Québec (Regroupement des Femmes de la région de Matane), helping families in need.

Josée describes her daughter Karine Blais as someone with a great zest for life; saying she was well-known and well-liked in her community, growing up with good friends and taking part in many community sports and activities. Karine was close to her brother Billy, and her stepbrother and sister, Joey and Marylin. Josée says they all liked to hike in the woods, bike ride, and just spend time enjoying the outdoors together.

Karine was serving in the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan as a Trooper in the Army when she died. Her mother still feels her happy energy around her and remembers her deep passion for her life in the Armed Forces.

Josée looks upon her role as National Silver Cross Mother as a great honour and a way to also honour her daughter Karine. She believes Canada’s military Veterans must never be abandoned, and that we must ensure we look after them well. She wants other Silver Cross Mothers and families to stay hopeful and remain strong. Josée would also like to spread a message of peace and harmony, not war.

In her free time, Josée enjoys reading and taking walks, and hunting with her husband Marco Sergerie.

Biography

Karine Blais

Karine Blais was a Trooper in the Canadian Army, an enthusiastic soldier who knew at a young age what she wanted to do.

She was born on January 4, 1988 in the small town of Cowansville, Québec to her mother Josée and father Gino Blais. She spent much of her young life with her mother’s second husband Marco who was extremely supportive, and they were close over the years.

Karine died in April, 2009 alongside four soldiers who were seriously wounded when their armoured vehicle struck a roadside bomb near Kandahar, Afghanistan. She was just two weeks into her first tour of duty. A member of the 12^th Armoured Regiment of Canada, based at CFB Valcartier in Quebec, Karine was serving with the 2^nd Battalion, Royal 22^nd Regiment Battle Group.

Karine’s mother Josée recalls her daughter talking about using grenades for the first time, saying she was always fueled by the challenges and adventures of serving her country.

In 2006, Karine wrote about why she wanted to be part of the Canadian Armed Forces. She reflected upon joining the Sea Cadets at age 12. “It was at this time, that the idea came to me – to become a soldier,” she says. Over the following years, she joined a hockey league, worked in a restaurant and in a grocery store. She finished her high school at Polyvalente de Matane, later applying to study social work.

Ultimately, she joined the Canadian Armed Forces.

Self-described as a disciplined person who was sure of herself and what she could offer, Karine acknowledged she was someone who enjoyed team activities and new challenges.

On the cusp of her new journey and while completing leadership training, she wrote: “I want to give 110% more than what’s required to finish leadership school…” A fitting sentiment to describe her work ethic, later echoed by those around her.

Photo credit: Veterans Affairs Canada

Past recipients

Every year, Legion Provincial Commands and individuals forward nominations for the selection of a National Silver Cross Mother. These nominations are reviewed by a selection committee at Dominion Command and one mother is chosen for the year which begins on 01 November until 31 October of the following year.

Past recipients