L
Leviathan
Guest
Wes, thank-you for saying so clearly what I only wish I could voice so well.
Our opinions on this matter are matched to an amazingly close degree.
There is little that I can add except my complete support for Wes' viewpoint...
It should be a matter of personal choice AND respect.
Not self-glorification and attention.
As long is it is clear that you are honouring ANOTHER's sacrifice, I see no problem.
It would also be a good idea to know how the medal was earned, but not necessarily a requirement.
Merely knowing that the Medal is a recognition of the inner-character of the person you are honouring.
This requires a definition of what the medal represents:
After all, A true medal is awarded for the character and nobleness that the individual possesses/possessed, not for the physical act.
The Physical act is merely a demonstration of the element of character for which the medal was awarded.
A Medal does not say "Once upon a time, I was brave/valorous/courageous.â ?
A Medal says â Å“I AM brave/valorous/courageousâ ?
A winner of the Victoria Cross, for example, does not earn it for storming a trench or rescuing a comrade under fire.
It is recognition of the Valour which is inherent in the individual at all times.
As for the law itself:
IMHO, this law is akin to the many other laws that exist of an obsolete and seldom enforced nature.
For example, the ones that say it is illegal to whistle in an elevator in some obscure town, or to ride an ostrich down main street, etc., etc.
The unfortunate thing is that a change to the Canadian Criminal Code requires literally an act of Congress (Well, Parliament anyways...)
And we all know the cost-efficiency that such a procedure entails... *sigh*
It seems likely to me that this law will be among the countless other obsolete and senseless laws until public pressure justifies the expenditure of the necessary resources to affect an official change.
Until then, I will rest assured that those who HONESTLY choose to HONOR the memory of relatives in this way will likely go unchallenged (By Law or Otherwise.).
And any challenges that do come will be from those who are too ignorant to respect the personal choices of those who wish to honour their heritage and ancestry in a way that seems fit to them.
Our opinions on this matter are matched to an amazingly close degree.
There is little that I can add except my complete support for Wes' viewpoint...
It should be a matter of personal choice AND respect.
Not self-glorification and attention.
As long is it is clear that you are honouring ANOTHER's sacrifice, I see no problem.
It would also be a good idea to know how the medal was earned, but not necessarily a requirement.
Merely knowing that the Medal is a recognition of the inner-character of the person you are honouring.
This requires a definition of what the medal represents:
After all, A true medal is awarded for the character and nobleness that the individual possesses/possessed, not for the physical act.
The Physical act is merely a demonstration of the element of character for which the medal was awarded.
A Medal does not say "Once upon a time, I was brave/valorous/courageous.â ?
A Medal says â Å“I AM brave/valorous/courageousâ ?
A winner of the Victoria Cross, for example, does not earn it for storming a trench or rescuing a comrade under fire.
It is recognition of the Valour which is inherent in the individual at all times.
As for the law itself:
IMHO, this law is akin to the many other laws that exist of an obsolete and seldom enforced nature.
For example, the ones that say it is illegal to whistle in an elevator in some obscure town, or to ride an ostrich down main street, etc., etc.
The unfortunate thing is that a change to the Canadian Criminal Code requires literally an act of Congress (Well, Parliament anyways...
)And we all know the cost-efficiency that such a procedure entails... *sigh*
It seems likely to me that this law will be among the countless other obsolete and senseless laws until public pressure justifies the expenditure of the necessary resources to affect an official change.
Until then, I will rest assured that those who HONESTLY choose to HONOR the memory of relatives in this way will likely go unchallenged (By Law or Otherwise.).
And any challenges that do come will be from those who are too ignorant to respect the personal choices of those who wish to honour their heritage and ancestry in a way that seems fit to them.
I've been out of the military for over 16 years now...I won't be wearing them again...promise! :cheers:
