Insignia of The Sacrifice Medal

Blazon

Suspended by the Royal Crown affixed to a clasp from a ribbon Gules charged with a pale Sable between two fillet pales Argent, a silver medal the obverse bearing the effigy of Her Majesty The Queen of Canada contourné, wearing a diadem of maple leaves and snowflakes, and environed by the inscriptions ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA and CANADA separated by two maple leaves, the reverse bearing a base and overall to the dexter the statue “Canada” at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial contourné, inscribed to the sinister SACRIFICE;

Symbolism

The obverse of the medal depicts the Sovereign, in whose name the medal is bestowed, an idea emphasized by the Royal Crown suspension. The Queen is depicted wearing a diadem composed of maple leave and snowflakes, representing Canada. The reverse of the medal indicates its purpose, the word “Sacrifice” accompanying a statue of an allegorical figure for Canada found at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. This statue, designed by Walter Seymour Allward and unveiled in 1936, symbolizes the nation grieving for her fallen. The statue, looking out over a large field. is of a cloaked and hooded woman holding laurel branches, a symbol of peace, honour and sacrifice. The choice of this symbol connects the medal with the battle of Vimy Ridge, Canada’s most notable military engagement in the First World War and a significant event in Canadian history. In the ribbon, black represents the mourning of the dead and the shock of the wounds, red the blood that has been spilt, and white the hope for a better future. Red and white are also the official colours of Canada.