Military Medals

In an Ottawa Sun article on December 16, 2008 columnist Peter Worthington commented on what should happen to the medals of a deceased veteran.  Is it ok for a family member to wear them at ceremonies like Remembrance Day?

 The daughter of a veteran wanted to honor her Father by wearing his medals and after consulting with the Korean Veterans Association, was told that in Britain, New Zealand and Australia, a close relative could wear the deceased medals on the right side, but in Canada only those who earned the medals were entitled to wear them.  Veterans Affairs went one step further to say that it is a criminal offense to wear medals earned by someone else.    How absurd!!

 In today’s climate of Canada’s flag almost perpetually being at half mast, surely those loved ones who’s family members paid the ultimate price should be able to wear their medals on the right chest in their honor at Remembrance Day ceremonies.

The argument that this wasn’t done for members who served in WWI, WWII and the Korean war just doesn’t cut it today.

 That’s the past, this is now.

  I’ve always said it takes very little to make military wives/mothers happy – just an acknowledgement of the role they play in this challenging lifestyle.  These strong, committed ladies are raising tomorrow’s leaders – tomorrow’s soldiers – let them feel extra proud at Remembrance Day by wearing their loved one’s medals.  They certainly deserve this honor.  What's an hour or two out of a whole year??    What do you think?