Canada: Father Asks Why Son Won't Receive Sacrifice Medal

Buy an ad on DigitalJournal.com

Ben Walsh is the father of Master Cpl. Jeffrey Scott Walsh who died in Afghanistan in 2006 when he was accidentally shot by a fellow soldier.

Walsh is asking why his son and other indirect casualties of war will not be awarded a new Sacrifice Medal to honour fallen soldiers.

Walsh had asked whether his son would be awarded the newly created Sacrifice Medal which was to be awarded mainly to slain or wounded members of the Canadian military, Walsh inquired about his son.

Walsh was told his son was not eligible for recognition.

"It wasn't the answer I expected from them," Walsh said.

The Sacrifice Medal is mainly for soldiers killed or wounded as a direct result of hostile action, and accidental shootings by comrades do not qualify.

This means 13 Canadians killed in Afghanistan will not receive the honour. Walsh feels the policy should be changed.

"It was not their choice to die in Afghanistan, they gave their life for Canada."

All soldiers' families deserve compassion and understanding for the loss of a loved one. I am with Walsh on this, they died while in service to their country.