Vern,
My comment towards you does not have anything to do with wounds, it was a jab at your being a woman, and how one time you would not have been able to serve in the area you do because of that I hope you did not misinterpret that, I hate the internet and how I am unable to convey my thoughts.
As for the criteria, you are correct, as per the standard of the wound stripe;
http://www.forces.gc.ca/hr/cfpn/engraph/11_03/11_03_wound_e.asp
What kind of injury does not merit a wound stripe?
Injuries received in accidents in special duty areas, on domestic provision of service operations, or on training exercises do not qualify for wound stripes. Wound stripes are not issued posthumously.
I was a champion of this medal, well before it's inception. I couldn't care less if people want to call me selfish, self centered, or whatever they want to coin me.
I will tell you why I feel we should fix this, based on my experience. You know how many times I have had to relay my story of when I was wounded, to civilians, you and I know each other. Every single one of those times I was asked what medal did I get for those wounds. I had to explain Canada does not issue a "Purple heart" type medal, but a wound stripe which is sewn on ones sleeve. Each time those Canadians, offering respect for me mind you, cursed our nation for being so petty.
Now, imagine how I felt. Canada. Petty for giving me a cloth patch. For what I have given up (i.e. Sacrificed....).
Now, I was not upset by the civvy, or my nation. But this is the way I look at it, our actions in uniform must be carefully thought out, as we represent our country. I too am a billboard for the achievements of my country. My medals tell a story, not about me and what I have achieved, but what Canada has done and achieved. All the medals that I wear is a story of where Canada has been. When one wears a medal, that signifies that they were wounded, it shows that Canada had the muster to send its soldiers in a dangerous area.
It has nothing to do with me being selfish, however I am willing to take the brunt of those who wish to call me that. Call my reasoning behind what I am saying as being a little too deep, I don't care.
The fact that the country would rather displease the families of the fallen, by not issuing this medal, for fear of having to deal with a deluge of those who will claim it all the way to the Boer war....well that to me is petty, and selfish.
They call it a sacrifice medal, but I love the way a country can decide on the definition of a word. Good thing they included the civilian population as being possible recipients, it took only one diplomat's death to convince them that there was a need to include them.
dileas
tess
