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A Canadian veteran whose daughter died during a military training accident more than two decades ago has been named the 2026 National Silver Cross Mother by the Royal Canadian Legion.
Virginia Hicks will place a wreath at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on November 11. The annual tradition honours Canadian mothers who have lost a child while serving in the Canadian military.
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A Family Built on Military Service
Hicks served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 29 years, working in supply and logistics. Her family has a long history of military service, making her selection a deeply personal recognition.
Her daughter, Mariebeth Short, died on September 23, 2002, during a training exercise in Petawawa, Ontario. The light armoured vehicle Short was training in rolled over, killing her.
Hicks says she feels a strong bond with other mothers who have experienced similar losses. “We all share the same sorrow, we all share the same bravery, and same love and respect for our children as we do for any other child who has passed,” she said in a statement.
Remembrance Day Follows Recent Training Tragedy
This year’s Remembrance Day ceremony carries additional weight. It comes just weeks after four Canadian soldiers died and dozens more suffered injuries during a training exercise at CFB Wainwright in Alberta.
Strong, sudden winds drove a nearby grass fire toward 84 members of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. The soldiers were conducting two exercises in the base’s training area, roughly 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.
The four soldiers killed were Sgt. Morgan Wong of Edmonton, Pte. Shaun Farrell of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Pte. Aidan Goulding of North Vancouver, and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark of Langley, British Columbia.
Investigation Underway
Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service is leading a full investigation into the tragedy. The RCMP is also providing support throughout the process.
The Wainwright deaths have brought renewed attention to safety during military training. As a result, this year’s National War Memorial ceremony holds particular significance for families across the country who have lost loved ones in uniform.
