To celebrate the achievements of young people in the military community, ‘Jacob’s Medal’ was unveiled at the recent Celebrating Forces Families Awards launch party at the London Transport Museum.
The medal will be awarded to every young person nominated for the Young Person’s Award, at the Celebrating Forces Families Awards ceremony, as a symbol of appreciation. This award category identifies young people who have made an impact, through volunteer work, community initiatives, or supported military families.
The medal was designed by Jacob Mason, 14, who is the son of a submariner and who wrote the poem ’This is Normal For Me’ at the age of ten. His words described the unique experiences and challenges faced by military children.
Jacob performed his poem at the Mountbatten Festival of Music in the Royal Albert Hall, London. Inspired by the impact his poem had on the audience, Jacob designed the medal to support other young people in the armed forces community.
The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) supported Jacob’s vision to become a reality. Mandy Harding, Head of Commissioned Grants at RNRMC, said “RNRMC is honoured and humbled to be involved in the launch of Jacob’s medal – for children and young people linked to the military community who, like Jacob, have done something brave or shown courage”.
Do you know an extraordinary young person from a military family whose resilience and achievements deserve to be recognised? To nominate someone go to celebratingforcesfamilies.co.uk/nominate2025 by 9 December.