Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha. Photo by U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Eric
Did you know that since 2006, veterans have been encouraged to wear their hard-earned medals on civilian clothing?
“The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) encourages all military veterans to wear their medals and decorations during Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and other patriotic holidays as well as formal occasions such as a parade honoring the military, retirement ceremonies, funerals, or weddings.
“Wear them when you go play golf. Wear them when you go to the store. Let America know that you took that oath and served.”
Of course, there are rules defining how to wear your medals. According to Army regulations:
“You can wear either the full-size or miniature-size medals. You should place the medals and decorations in approximately the same location and in the same manner as for the Army uniform, so they look similar to medals worn on the Army uniform.
We like this more lax rule on medal wearing. People who have served our country deserve to display their service proudly and frequently.
Remember: thank a veteran you know or meet. It doesn’t need to be Veteran’s Day!