Queen Elizabeth Gives George Cross Award To The National Health Services Of The United Kingdom — Read The Touching Letter
July 5 2021, Published 9:35 a.m. ET
A magnificent achievement! Queen Elizabeth bestowed a great honor onto the National Health Services.
"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," a note was captioned on The Royal Family's Instagram account. "The George Cross was instituted in 1940 by King George VI for 'acts of the greatest heroism or of the most courage in circumstances of extreme danger.' It is the UK's highest award for non-military courage. This award recognises all NHS staff, past and present. To read Her Majesty’s personal message in full, follow our link in bio."
"This award recognises all NHS staff, past and present, across all disciplines and all four nations," the message continued. "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."
Of course, people loved the gesture. One person wrote, "You are the best queen in the world, we love you.❤️," while another added, "What a lovely message and wonderful gesture from Her Majesty. ❤️ Congratulations to all NHS staff! They definitely deserve to receive the award. 👏🙌."
A third user added, "Unsung heroes being recognised, truly wonderful 👏👏👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️❤️."
Dominic Troulan — a retired British army officer and former Royal Marine — was awarded it in June 2017 for rescuing civilians during the 2013 Westgate shopping mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya.
NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said the award recognized the "skill and fortitude" of NHS staff, who responded to "the worst pandemic in a century and the greatest challenge this country has faced since World War II."
NHS England medical director Professor Stephen Powis could not be "prouder and more humbled" by the work of his colleagues.