True: Queen Elizabeth awarded the U.K.'s National Health Services for COVID-19 service.

By: Ranjini K
July 14 2021

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The National Health Services was awarded the George Cross on July 5 by Queen Elizabeth II to recognize its loyal service, notably during the COVID-19.The George Cross, the highest civilian gallantry award, was presented to Britain's National Health Service (NHS) by Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years of selfless dedication, including its services during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the advice of the George Cross Committee and the prime minister, the Queen bestowed the award. The equivalent of the Victoria Cross, the George Cross, has been awarded twice before. For the first time, the Queen's father, King George VI, granted the George Cross honor to the people of Malta in 1942, and the Royal Ulster Constabulary received it in 1999. With the award of the George Cross and a cathedral liturgy, the Royal Family marked the 73rd anniversary of the NHS on July 5, 2021. At a thanksgiving service at St Paul's Cathedral in London, the Duke of Cambridge joined NHS workers. Later, he hosted a tea party at Buckingham Palace to honor NHS personnel. In a handwritten note, Queen wrote that the award celebrates all NHS staff, past and present, from all disciplines and across all four nations. For more than seven decades, they have supported the people of their country with courage, compassion, and dedication, exemplifying the most exemplary public service values. "You have our enduring thanks and heartfelt appreciation," she added. Reuters reports NHS Chief Executive Simon Stevens said that the award highlighted the expertise, compassion, and tenacity of NHS personnel across the board in responding to the deadliest pandemic in a century. "Out of those dark times have come the best of what it means to be a carer and a health professional," he said. Dr. Chaand Nagpaul, council chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA), said the award would be "a welcome recognition for many who feel exhausted - physically and mentally - after the gruelling challenge of the last year," reports BBC. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "We wouldn't be where we are today without our health services. NHS staff have cared for us and our friends and family on the frontline of a pandemic for over a year, and I have witnessed their courage first-hand."