Queen awards George Cross to NHS to mark 70 years of public service

[canetoad]

Britain’s highest award for gallantry and heroism recognises ‘courage, compassion and dedication’ of staff



The Queen has awarded the George Cross, the UK’s highest award for gallantry and heroism, to the NHS to mark its public service over seven decades, Buckingham Palace has announced.

The NHS marks its 73rd birthday on Monday following a year of unprecedented challenges. It is only the third time the award has been given to a collective body, country or organisation rather than an individual since it was instituted by the Queen’s father, George VI, at the height of the blitz in 1940.

In a handwritten personal message, the Queen said: “It is with great pleasure, on behalf of a grateful nation, that I award the George Cross to the National Health Services of the United Kingdom.

“This award recognises all NHS staff, past and present, across all disciplines and all four nations. Over more than seven decades, and especially in recent times, you have supported the people of our country with courage, compassion and dedication, demonstrating the highest standards of public service.
“You have our enduring thanks and heartfelt appreciation. Elizabeth R.”

The George Cross is granted in recognition of “acts of the greatest heroism or of the most courage in circumstances of extreme danger”. It recognises actions by civilians and military personnel not in the face of the enemy. It is awarded by the Queen on the advice of the George Cross committee and the prime minister.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/jul/05/queen-awards-george-cross-to-nhs-to-mark-70-years-of-public-service



This recognition of the frontline workers is a BFD.

[spanone]

1. K&R

[Tomconroy]

2. Good Queen Bess!

[SheltieLover]

3. Very nice!

[bluecollar2]

4. Brilliant!!!..n/t