The people who have served in the military can attest to the sacrifices that are involved in battlefronts and other military activities. Earning a medal of honor through military service is a treasured experience for the military men and women who strife through tough and dangerous conditions. Serving in the military is an endeavor that goes unnoticed for most people. Consequently, medals of valor are treasured ornaments that are more than showpieces.
Wearing a military medal of honor without having earned it is an understandably outrageous issue for both laymen and military personnel. This habit is generally referred to as ‘stolen valor,’ and it either involves individuals masquerading as active and retired military officers or military officers wearing fake decorations on their apparel. This essay explores the concept of stolen valor from various perspectives.
Serving in the military is one of the most stressful jobs in the world. A military officer has to work long and unprecedented hours each day. Also, military officers work under constant threat of injuries, grievous bodily harm, or even death. Consequently, recognition is paramount in military service. Medals and promotions in the military are earned through regular duty as well as additional acts of heroism, bravery, and other extra ordinary actions.
It is also important to note that the whole country depends on the military for protection from both internal and external threats. Even though recognition is not the ultimate goal in military service, soldiers value the symbols of valor to a great extent. Unlike laymen, soldiers recognize the heroics that are usually represented by medals of valor. Therefore, it is obvious that stolen valor is very discomforting to serving and veteran military officers.
The Constitution of the United States recognizes that stealing valor is against the country’s laws through the Stolen Valor Act of 2005. However, there are those who feel that the Stolen Valor Act is an exaggeration, and it inhibits on individuals’ right for self-expression. The integrity of the law against stolen valor has been challenged and tested by several Supreme Court decisions.
Most of these Supreme Court decisions opposed the validity of the Stolen Valor Act of 2005. The constant challenges on the law against stolen valor prompted Congress to review the legislation in 2012. The final cut of the stolen-valor legislation makes it illegal for individuals to profit or make any tangible gains from this deception.
The legal system cannot conclusively deal with the problem of stolen valor. Nevertheless, there are several forums that can deal with the issue of stolen valor. For instance, there are websites that provide verifiable information concerning decorated military officers. Other websites specialize in naming and shaming individuals who engage in acts of stolen valor.
Most of the concerns that touch on stolen valor do not necessarily address crime but the element of military dignity. The military institution and the dignity of decorated officers are at stake when individuals are allowed to engage in stolen valor.
The issue of stolen valor is not only a military concern, but it also affects individual patriots. Serving in the military is a stressful undertaking that deserves the respect of all people. The lawmakers have seen the need to institute laws to curb stolen valor, although they only work to a certain extent. Overall, stolen valor is a despicable trend that deserves naming and shaming.