The Frankford veteran represented Canada’s bereaved military families while honouring her daughter, Sapper Mariebeth Short.
On Remembrance Day, Virginia Hicks of Frankford, Ontario, laid a wreath at the National War Memorial as Canada’s 2026 National Silver Cross Mother. In doing so, she represented Canadian mothers and families who have lost a loved one in military service.
Hicks carried with her the memory of her daughter, Sapper Mariebeth Short of 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa. Short died on September 23, 2002, when the light armoured vehicle in which she was travelling rolled over during a training exercise on the Matawa Plains.
Although her death did not occur in combat, Sapper Short died in service to Canada. Her story reminds Canadians that military service involves sacrifice not only during operations, but also throughout the demanding training required to prepare members for dangerous and unpredictable duties.
A family’s tradition of service
Hicks’s connection to the Canadian Armed Forces was deeply personal. She joined the military in 1982 and re-enlisted in 1989, serving for nearly 29 years in supply and logistics. Her career included postings across Canada and service in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Italy. After leaving the Regular Force in 2008, she continued as a full-time reservist until 2017.
That tradition of service extended to her daughter. Born in Comox, British Columbia, in 1980, Mariebeth followed in her family’s footsteps by joining the Canadian Armed Forces and becoming a sapper.
Hicks received the Memorial Cross in 2009. Commonly known as the Silver Cross, the decoration recognizes the personal loss and sacrifice of eligible family members of Canadian Armed Forces personnel who died as a result of military service.
Representing Canada’s bereaved military families
The Royal Canadian Legion selected Hicks to serve as National Silver Cross Mother from November 1, 2026, to October 31, 2027. Her wreath-laying during the National Remembrance Day Ceremony was among the most visible responsibilities of the role, which also includes participation in commemorative events throughout the year.
Her appointment brought together a family’s service, a mother’s enduring love and a nation’s gratitude. As both a veteran and a bereaved military mother, Hicks gave voice to families whose lives were forever changed by loss.
Through her presence at the National War Memorial, Canadians remembered Sapper Mariebeth Short and all those who died in service to Canada. They also honoured the families who continue to carry their memory.
We will remember them.
