Thanks and Honour Exhibit

History of Rank and Honours

Soldiers and Heroes have been honoured since ancient times.

Promotions and honours for soldiers started in Ancient Egypt. During the New Kingdom (c. 1540-1070 BC) it became possible for educated Egyptians to work their way up to higher rank in the military.

In the Roman army a system of honours for service was established for every soldier. Awards were worn while on parade and were presented at the end of a campaign. Awards for average soldiers included Torques (necklaces), armillae (armbands) and phalerae (disks worn on the uniform). Other awards like the corona aurea (a plain gold crown) were given to soldiers from higher ranks. Acts of bravery were honoured by special awards too.

In the Middle Ages (c. AD 500-1500) honours were developed for the Nobility, titles were granted, and nobility were made members in Orders of Knighthood. These orders are the basis for the system of honours we have for soldiers today.

Gradually in the last few centuries the system of honours of the Middle Ages was extended to once again recognize the work of the average soldier. Special honours were created for extreme acts of valour or bravery. Honours for acts of valour or service have also been developed for civilians. In Canada the Governor General awards these honours on behalf of the Queen.

Canadian Honours System

The first medal for Canadian actions was the Canadian General Service Medal (1866-1870). It was awarded to Canadian and British soldiers who served during the Fenian Raids and the Red River expedition of 1870. Canadian soldiers have also been given Campaign and Gallantry medals during the South African War (Boer War), World War One (WWI), World War Two (WWII), the Korean War and Peacekeeping missions around the world.

Honours given out to Canadians include Orders, Decorations and Medals. These honours reflect the official thanks of a government (and the citizens) to people who have served honourably. For many years the Canadian Honours system was the same as the British Honours system. Gradually Canada started to create Canadian awards. In 1967 the Order of Canada was created. The system was expanded and in 1972 the honours we have today were established. All honours in Canada come from the Queen and are presented by or from the Governor General.

The Canadian Honours system recognizes outstanding achievements, gallantry in combat, bravery and service to the Crown and country and for outstanding service in various fields.

Honours and medals are acknowledgements of courage, leadership or meritorious conduct. Medals are tokens of thanks given on behalf of fellow citizens and serve as a link to great events in the country’s past.

Public and Private Honours

Official honours usually consist of Orders, Decorations and Medals. Often other honours and tokens of thanks are developed and given out for service. Governments commission stamps to honour heroes and soldiers. We can have special holidays and events to commemorate important battles or military events.

Municipal, county or township governments also commission special thanks for service. These tokens can consist of many things, like lockets, certificates, plaques given to individuals or displayed in public and parks and streets named after individual heroes or veterans and soldiers. Museums are created to honour and remember heroes, armouries can be named after heroes and special events are held to honour soldiers and Veterans. Most communities have a local Cenotaph and we hold Remembrance Day celebrations.

Other tokens of honour can include commemorative art or flags, pins and badges. These are often presented by politicians, children’s groups and schools as tokens of appreciation to veterans.

Many tokens of thanks and honour are very personal. Letters and gifts of thanks have been given to soldiers after they return home.

Thanks and Honour given to soldiers and heroes take many forms from both official and unofficial sources. Please visit the museum through December 2006 to view the “Thanks and Honour” exhibit.