Every year since 1919, the Silver Cross has been issued to a mother or widow who lost a child or husband while in service of their nation.

The Silver Cross Mother for this year is Anita Cenerini. Her son, Private Thomas Welch, was C9 Gunner in Op ATHENA in Afghanistan in August 2003. On May 8, 2004, shortly after he returned to CFB Petawawa, Private Walsh committed suicide. His was the first suicide of a Canadian soldier after returning from Afghanistan.

On Remembrance Day,  Ms. Cerenini lays a wreath at the National War Memorial on behalf of all Canadian mothers who have lost a child in the military.

These Silver Star mothers belong to an exclusive club that none wanted to be a part of, and yet, each mourn publicly on behalf of everyone who has lost a child or a spouse in service to their country.

This year, may we remember the strength and commitment of military families to a life they didn’t necessarily choose.