The 2020 Silver Cross mother is Deborah Sullivan of Summerville, New Brunswick.
Her son, Christopher Saunders, served as an officer in the Royal Canadian Navy on board the submarine HMCS Chicoutimi.
He was killed sixteen years ago when fire broke out on October 6th, 2004, as the vessel was making its way from Scotland to Canada.
“The role and symbolism of the National Silver Cross Mother is important to the Legion and to other military families in our country,” says Thomas D. Irvine, CD, Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion. “As a Veteran herself, Mrs. Sullivan and her family have served our country with strength, and sacrifice. We salute them during this Remembrance period, and beyond.”
Deborah Sullivan will place a wreath at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Remembrance Day on behalf of all Canadian mothers who have lost a son or daughter in action or over the course of normal duty.
Chris Saunders Memorial Elementary School in Quispamsis, New Brunswick, was named in honour of the late submariner.
The Legion is proud to present this year’s National Silver Cross Mother, Mrs. Deborah Sullivan of Summerville, New Brunswick. She will represent Silver Cross Mothers across Canada until the end of October, 2021. Learn more: https://t.co/i1srxfml5V #CanadaRemembers #GetYourPoppy pic.twitter.com/cOjRomjkht
— The Royal Canadian Legion (@RoyalCdnLegion) November 1, 2020
