The first Elizabeth Cross has been presented to the family of a British soldier killed in Afghanistan.
Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Sean Upton, from the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, was killed in an explosion while on foot patrol in Sangin District, in Helmand province last month.
His funeral took place at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire earlier today and his family were presented with the medal.
The Elizabeth Cross was announced in parliament at the beginning of July as a 'national recognition of the loss and sacrifice suffered by the families of those who are killed on operations or as a result of an act of terrorism'.
The medal is the first time the name of a reigning monarch has been given to a new award since the George Cross was instituted in 1940 by King George VI for brave acts by both civilians and the military.
Upon receiving the medal on Tuesday, WO2 Upton's wife Karen, said: 'It is an absolute honour to receive the very first Elizabeth Cross in Her Majesty’s name and comforting to feel the support of Queen and Country.
'Sean and I grew up together, were childhood sweethearts and soul mates. He was a loving husband and devoted father. Wherever our children, Ewan and Hollie, and I go, my husband will always be with us. Sean was an outstanding soldier, loved his job and was part of the Army 'family'.
'I will wear this Elizabeth Cross in his honour with pride and treasure it always.'
Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup added: 'We as a nation owe much to servicemen like WO2 Upton, who gave his life fighting for our security and freedom. But we all also owe a great debt to his family.
'The presentation of this first Elizabeth Cross in the name of Her Majesty The Queen is a lasting symbol of the entire nation’s gratitude and respect.'
The Elizabeth Cross is now available to the next of kin of those who have died on medal-earning operations or as a result of terrorism since 1948, including the Korean War, the Falklands conflict and operations in Northern Ireland.
Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Sean Upton, from the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, was killed in an explosion while on foot patrol in Sangin District, in Helmand province last month.
His funeral took place at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire earlier today and his family were presented with the medal.
The Elizabeth Cross was announced in parliament at the beginning of July as a 'national recognition of the loss and sacrifice suffered by the families of those who are killed on operations or as a result of an act of terrorism'.
The medal is the first time the name of a reigning monarch has been given to a new award since the George Cross was instituted in 1940 by King George VI for brave acts by both civilians and the military.
Upon receiving the medal on Tuesday, WO2 Upton's wife Karen, said: 'It is an absolute honour to receive the very first Elizabeth Cross in Her Majesty’s name and comforting to feel the support of Queen and Country.
'Sean and I grew up together, were childhood sweethearts and soul mates. He was a loving husband and devoted father. Wherever our children, Ewan and Hollie, and I go, my husband will always be with us. Sean was an outstanding soldier, loved his job and was part of the Army 'family'.
'I will wear this Elizabeth Cross in his honour with pride and treasure it always.'
Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup added: 'We as a nation owe much to servicemen like WO2 Upton, who gave his life fighting for our security and freedom. But we all also owe a great debt to his family.
'The presentation of this first Elizabeth Cross in the name of Her Majesty The Queen is a lasting symbol of the entire nation’s gratitude and respect.'
The Elizabeth Cross is now available to the next of kin of those who have died on medal-earning operations or as a result of terrorism since 1948, including the Korean War, the Falklands conflict and operations in Northern Ireland.
No comments:
Post a Comment