PPCLI veteran Earl Burns lost his life defending others on the James Smith Cree Nation.
Information is now starting to be released about the victims of the massacre that unfolded in Saskatchewan on the weekend, and one of those killed was a veteran of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, my regimental family. Although it is still early days in the investigation, information released so far would indicate that Earl Burns died following an apparent struggle with his attacker or attackers.
Recommendation for a Posthumous Cross of Valour for Earl Burns and Gloria Burns.
By now, without a doubt, members of the PPCLI regimental family have begun reaching out to Earl Burns’ family to offer their assistance in accordance with the wishes of Earl’s family. I have little doubt that should his family ask, many of his brothers and sisters from other mothers and misters will step up to take care of things.
Now, I would ask for everyone else’s assistance in another matter, specifically,
Based on information released within the last day in the news media, I have reason to believe that EARL BURNS and GLORIA BURNS should each be recommended to receive a posthumous Cross of Valour (Civilian), for their actions on the morning of Sunday, September 4th, 2022, on the James Smith Cree Nation.
Earl Burns — a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces — was also among the 10 killed just before dawn on Sunday when a pair of attackers began entering homes on the James Smith Cree Nation and stabbing those inside.
Deborah McLean, Earl’s sister and a James Smith Cree Nation headwoman, told PA Now on Tuesday that her brother died protecting his family from the knife-wielding attackers. “My brother Earl Burns was a true hero. He fought til the death to protect his family,” she wrote in a message.
https://calgaryherald.com/news/canada/you-brave-old-man-the-veteran-hero-of-saskatchewan-stabbing-massacre/wcm/d7f80ec6-de80-4869-9df5-5b50a709f7b5
Still have questions? Please contact us at bravery-bravoure@gg.ca or call 1-800-465-6890 (toll-free).
https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/canadian-honours/decorations-bravery/nominate-someone
I sent the message below to the office of the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, at the above email address, bravery-bravoure@gg.ca. They are in charge of the awarding of Canadian honours and decorations to those who have met the requirements for each individual honour. In addition, I sent carbon copies to justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca and the Office of the Privy Council at info@pco-bcp.gc.ca.
I am asking that others do so as well, so I have left a copy of the message below that will only require you to fill out your name, email address, and phone number.
Subject: Posthumous Cross of Valour for Earl Burns and Gloria Burns.
Good afternoon,
Based on information released within the last day in the news media, I have reason to believe that EARL BURNS and GLORIA BURNS should each be recommended to receive a posthumous Cross of Valour (Civilian), for their actions on the morning of Sunday, September 4th, 2022, on the James Smith Cree Nation.
“Gloria Burns worked in crisis response on the James Smith Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, and was responding to a call for help when she was killed in the attack. “She died helping people. And we have to pick up that torch and carry it,” her brother, Darryl Burns, told Postmedia’s Zak Vescera.”
“Earl Burns — a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces — was also among the 10 killed just before dawn on Sunday when a pair of attackers began entering homes on the James Smith Cree Nation and stabbing those inside.
Deborah McLean, Earl’s sister and a James Smith Cree Nation headwoman, told PA Now on Tuesday that her brother died protecting his family from the knife-wielding attackers. “My brother Earl Burns was a true hero. He fought til the death to protect his family,” she wrote in a message.”
At the present time, I am unable to provide further particulars with regard to this matter, however, I would ask that your department expediently commence an investigation into it in order that a determination is made in the most expedient manner possible.
I have provided a link below to the media article in question in this matter.
Most respectfully,
‘You brave old man’: The veteran hero of Saskatchewan stabbing massacre
Name:
email:
Phone number:
https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/canadian-honours/decorations-bravery/levels-and-insignia
May those who lost their lives in this tragedy rest in perpetual peace, and may their loved ones find healing and comfort.
The Advocate-Equalizer 