1965 National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother – Nora Wagner

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National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother Nora Wagner.
(Photo courtesy of Lenore Floyd)

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(Photo courtesy of Lenore Floyd)

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National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother Charlotte Nora Wagner pointing to one of her sons name in the Book of Remembrance. Also in the photo is her oldest daughter Mary Wagner.
(Photo courtesy of Lenore Floyd)

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(Photo courtesy of Lenore Floyd)

Mrs. Nora Wagner of Teeterville, Ontario, was the 1965 National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother. During the national Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa on November 11, 1965, she laid a wreath at the base of the National War Memorial on behalf of all mothers who have lost a child in military service to Canada.

On July 18, 1944, her son, Private Ivan Samuel Wagner, was killed while on duty with the Royal Regiment of Canada.

On August 12, 1944, a second son, Corporal Harry Everett Wagner, died of wounds while serving with the Royal Regiment of Canada.

On January 31, 1945, a third son, Private Bruce Howard Wagner, was killed in action while serving with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada.

Three sons. All dead in barely six months. Survived by two sisters, Mary and Nora, and one brother, Jack who was not able to join the forces due to health reasons.

Mrs. Wagner, née Boswell, was born in 1890. She married Bruce Wagner and was widowed in 1961. She was a dignified and resolute woman. Even after the loss of her three sons she never complained about anyone or anything. She carried on for them.

One of her first acts as the National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother in 1965 was to visit the Memorial Chamber in the Peace Tower, in Ottawa. Later that afternoon, she and her daughter were guests of the Ottawa branch of the Silver Cross Mothers. Mrs. Wagner died in 1980.

List of National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mothers

(Information courtesy of the Royal Canadian Legion, Canadian War Museum and families of the National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mothers)