By By Marcus Hondro Apr 15, 2013 in World More than 55,000 served in Canada’s Bomber Command in W.W. II and are eligible for a new military bar, it was announced Monday. About 10,000 died in the war and their families, and the families of those who've died since, can also apply for the bar. "With this bar, our government is honouring those Canadians who fought for peace, freedom and democracy through their service in Bomber Command," V.A. minister Blaney wrote in a press release. "And in particular the approximately 10,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice." W.W. II Bomber Command: dangerous missions The bar, which will be worn over the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM), is the first of its kind for members of Canada's Bomber Command. That despite the reality that flying night raids over Germany was one of the most dangerous missions of the war, witnessed by such a high percentage of men killed in action. Other service units have been awarded The youngest survivors of W.W. II Bomber Command are now in their late 80s. Canada's Defence Minister Peter MacKay and the country's Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney, made the announcement at the Canadian Aviation Museum in Ottawa Monday. The two unveiled a commemerative bar that all those who served on bombers and supported them on the ground will be eligible for. A veteran must have served one day with Bomber Command to be honored with the bar."With this bar, our government is honouring those Canadians who fought for peace, freedom and democracy through their service in Bomber Command," V.A. minister Blaney wrote in a press release. "And in particular the approximately 10,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice."The bar, which will be worn over the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal (CVSM), is the first of its kind for members of Canada's Bomber Command. That despite the reality that flying night raids over Germany was one of the most dangerous missions of the war, witnessed by such a high percentage of men killed in action.Other service units have been awarded special bars , for example those who partook in the Dieppe Raid or those who defended Hong Kong, but while there has been a groundswell of support for a bar for Bomber Command it has taken these 70 years for it to occur.The youngest survivors of W.W. II Bomber Command are now in their late 80s. More about canadian bomber squads, canada in world war two, bomber command canadian vets honored More news from canadian bomber squa... canada in world war ... bomber command canad...