The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Renewed calls for clampdown on fake veterans
Commemorations see people wear fake medals to bask in glory of honour
The events marking the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings have sparked renewed calls for a clampdown on “Walter Mitty” veterans.
Angus provost and former Black Watch major Ronnie Proctor said the recent D-Day commemorations have shown a need to address the issue of individuals passing themselves off as decorated veterans.
Mr Proctor said: “The sight of these elderly heroes revisiting the Normandy beaches that they stormed on to 75 years ago to ultimately free Europe from oppression was immensely touching and humbling.
“Their incredible bravery and the sacrifice of those who did not return is something that we rightly commemorate and honour.
“However, in stark contrast to the quiet dignity of the heroes we saw on our TV screens, there are those who present themselves as decorated veterans wearing medals that they have either not earned or have no value.
“They seek to bask in the reflected glory of better men and women and too often they conduct themselves in a way that reflects badly on the real military and veteran community.”
Mr Proctor also described it as “baffling” that people would purchase so called commemorative medals which often appear similar to real campaign or valour medals.
He said: “For example, you can see someone who fought their way across Europe in WWII wearing four or five medals, but Armistice Day or other military events can bring out people wearing all sorts of medals that they purchased themselves.
“In reality these purchased medals have no more meaning than if they had been given away with a comic or a box of cereal.”
However, the Scottish Government argued that sufficient safeguards are already in place.
Veterans Minister Graeme Dey said: “In Scotland we have a proud military history and our armed forces and veterans community are held in the highest regard.
“It is therefore crucial to protect the integrity of the military honours system.
“Thankfully, instances of people falsely wearing medals or other military insignia are rare – and for those deliberately seeking to create a false impression for gain, the Scottish legal system is robust enough to take appropriate action.
“Of course, we would never discourage people from service families who wish to honour their loved ones from wearing their relatives’ awards at ceremonial occasions.”