Canada's cherished Memorial (Silver) Cross stands as a solemn tribute to the personal loss and sacrifice on the part of family and loved ones.

The Memorial (Silver) Cross, the gift of Canada first authorized in 1919, is issued as a memento of personal loss and sacrifice to loved ones of Canadian sailors, aviators and soldiers who died in service or whose death was attributed to their service. The recipients, although not Veterans themselves, can wear the cross at any time. Each cross is engraved with the name and service number of the individual commemorated.

Canadian Forces members can designate up to three Memorial Cross recipients.