Maria Caulfield, Member of Parliament for Lewes, has welcomed the announcement that the government is introducing a commemorative emblem as a mark of recognition for those who lost their lives in the course of undertaking public service, such as police officers and firefighters.
The Elizabeth Emblem, conferred by His Majesty The King, will be the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack. The emblem acknowledges the sacrifices made by public servants who have lost their lives as a result of their duty and proposes their recognition within the honours system.
The design of the Emblem incorporates a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, which surrounds the Tudor Crown. It is inscribed with ‘For A Life Given In Service’, and will have the name of the person for whom it is in memoriam inscribed on the reverse of the Emblem.
Commenting on the announcement, Maria Caulfield MP said:
“We owe a great deal to those who put their lives on the line every day in service to our nation. I am very pleased that those who sadly lose their lives in this service are going to be recognised in this way.”
The next of kin of the deceased are able to apply for the Emblem and applications can be made on the gov.uk website.