02/11/2004
Memorial dedicated to military heroes unveiled at MoD
Britain's first permanent memorial for military recipients of the Victoria Cross and George Cross has been unveiled at a dedication ceremony at the MoD's HQ today.
While Westminster Abbey is the home of a memorial for all Victoria and George Cross recipients, the MoD memorial specifically commemorates solely military personnel.
Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon and Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Anthony Bagnall, attended the ceremony which was led by the Deputy Chaplain General, John Whitton.
The memorial is at the heart of MoD's new Main Building and consists of an imposing bronze statue and stained glass window.
Mr Hoon said: "I am honoured to be here to mark the bravery and courage of recipients of the Victoria Cross and George Cross. It is right to remember their contribution with a memorial at the very centre of our military and civilian headquarters as a permanent reminder of the values we should all strive to uphold."
The Victoria Cross and George Cross are the nation's highest awards for gallantry. The Victoria Cross was instituted in 1856 and the bronze crosses are cast from the metal of Russian guns seized during the Crimean campaign. It is awarded for most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.
The George Cross was instituted in 1940 to recognise actions of supreme gallantry in circumstances for which the Victoria Cross was not appropriate. It may be awarded to civilians, as well as members of the Armed Forces for acts of gallantry not in the presence of the enemy, including, for example, military explosive ordnance disposal personnel.
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While Westminster Abbey is the home of a memorial for all Victoria and George Cross recipients, the MoD memorial specifically commemorates solely military personnel.
Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon and Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Anthony Bagnall, attended the ceremony which was led by the Deputy Chaplain General, John Whitton.
The memorial is at the heart of MoD's new Main Building and consists of an imposing bronze statue and stained glass window.
Mr Hoon said: "I am honoured to be here to mark the bravery and courage of recipients of the Victoria Cross and George Cross. It is right to remember their contribution with a memorial at the very centre of our military and civilian headquarters as a permanent reminder of the values we should all strive to uphold."
The Victoria Cross and George Cross are the nation's highest awards for gallantry. The Victoria Cross was instituted in 1856 and the bronze crosses are cast from the metal of Russian guns seized during the Crimean campaign. It is awarded for most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.
The George Cross was instituted in 1940 to recognise actions of supreme gallantry in circumstances for which the Victoria Cross was not appropriate. It may be awarded to civilians, as well as members of the Armed Forces for acts of gallantry not in the presence of the enemy, including, for example, military explosive ordnance disposal personnel.
(gmcg/sp)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.