Wetaskiwin saw a military poser found guilty of wearing fake medals under Section 419 of the Criminal Code.
Robert Cooper received a $1,500 fine, one year of probation and 10 hours of community service.
Some posers, like Cooper, have served in the military. It seems that just being a veteran having, or not having, been awarded medals isn’t good enough for some.
Some wear fake badges or other fake accoutrements. Serving just one day in uniform should be honour enough.
And then there are those who haven’t served at all.
Their selfish actions do nothing but insult the gallantry, dedication to duty and the sacrifices made by members of the military.
Some of these posers tell their fake poser stories of military service to anyone who will listen. Unfortunately, this is not a criminal offence but, morally and ethically, it is so wrong.
We remember the blood, sweat and tears that it took to earn our medals, or an embroidered badge, and that is why we get somewhat emotional about them.
Fakery is not flattery, it’s cold, calculated deception to satisfy low self-esteem issues by basking in the glory of honourable soldiers who have served this great country.
How many receptions honouring veterans have these fakers been invited to due to their “special status and position of honour?”
If the answer is one, then even that is one too many. Please stop this and any form of stolen valour.
Master Cpl. Michael Barclay, CD (Retired), Innisfail