A Vietnam War veteran, Greg Carter, expressed his dismay upon discovering that replica military medals, closely resembling the originals, were being openly sold to the public. These replicas, mimicking medals awarded to military personnel, are easily accessible through online platforms like Temu and eBay, as well as various museums and dealers across the country.
While the trade of military medals is lawful in Australia, it is illegal for individuals to misrepresent themselves as veterans by wearing these medals in public. Greg Carter, who served in Vietnam, possessing a full set of medals awarded to veterans of that era, including a Vietnam Combat Badge, emphasized the significance of earning the right to wear such honors through actual military service.
Carter expressed his concern over the availability of medals meant to symbolize service and sacrifice to the broader public, stating that it undermines the value and respect associated with these badges. His sentiments are echoed by numerous veterans and members of the public who find the situation disheartening.
Recounting his personal experience, Carter first encountered the issue when he stumbled upon a selection of replica medals at a museum gift shop in Western Australia. Upon questioning the shop attendant about the accessibility of these medals to anyone, he was taken aback by the ease with which non-veterans could acquire them.
An RSL Australia spokesperson acknowledged the legality of selling replica medals but suggested that retailers should ideally verify the entitlement of buyers to these honors. While it is within the law to buy or sell replica military medals in Australia, they must not be misrepresented as authentic or bear official defense emblems without authorization.
Sam Norman, the owner of Replica Medals in the ACT, highlighted the practicality of wearing replicas to safeguard original medals from loss or damage, a common concern among defense personnel. He emphasized the importance of this industry in serving veterans, ensuring the preservation of their original awards.
Despite the legitimate nature of selling replica medals, Carter raised concerns about the lack of awareness among buyers regarding the significance and protocol associated with wearing these honors. He urged retailers to educate customers about the laws and customs governing the wearing of replica medals to promote respect for military service and the proper display of such accolades.
The debate surrounding the availability and usage of replica military medals reflects a broader conversation on honoring the sacrifices made by service members and upholding the integrity of military decorations. As veterans like Greg Carter advocate for greater awareness and respect for these symbols of service, the public is called to consider the ethical implications of wearing such honors without understanding their true meaning.
📰 Related Articles
- Youngest Military Cross Recipient’s Medals Sold at Auction
- Youngest Military Cross Recipient Auctions Medals to Aid PTSD Recovery
- Vietnam War Veteran Reunites with Singer After 50 Years
- Vietnam War Veteran Receives Long-Awaited Purple Heart Recognition
- Newcastle Veteran Awarded France’s Highest Military Honor