Maybe they are to be pitied rather than despised. Perhaps they are trying to gain recognition or prestige by wearing medals and decorations that aren't theirs.
I believe our service personnel, past and present, are generally held in high regard by fellow New Zealanders. They have taken an oath to defend New Zealand and to serve wherever sent.
We are proud of their military service on behalf of our country. It could be that for some people it's a case of envy; wanting to be part of something bigger and respected for it. I have often observed when service personnel are present at any gathering, decked out in their Number 1s, they are looked at with respect and admiration by both men and women present.
They cut a fine figure and I have a suspicion they know it. And why not?
If you look good, you feel good. And it shows. But it's much more than that. You belong to an elite group. People of nerve and courage. Attractive traits to many.
What if you had tried to get into the army, navy or air force?
Wanted it badly, kept trying but never made the cut. You would probably feel resentful so maybe by wearing medals you could feel more included, noticed even.
I know of two young men turned down repeatedly for the army. They became quite bitter towards the army after that.
I think they weren't told why they didn't get accepted, and that hurt, but these two I know would never wear anyone else's medals.
Their family members, many of whom have served, would have dealt with that issue had it ever risen. Another young man always wanted to go into the police force but he wasn't accepted. But he eventually got a job that is also respected in the community.
But the two recent cases are men who have been enlisted in the army. They should definitely have known better.
While it is not an offence to own medals which have not been awarded to you, it is illegal to use these to pretend to be a member of the armed forces. In the UK wearing any military decoration, badge, wound stripe or emblem without authority is a criminal offence.
The conviction of the president of the Hakaru RSA in Northland, Bill Kerr and the outing of Rob Clark of Kaukapakapa, both for wearing medals they didn't earn has renewed the call for a more responsive Act that covers the unauthorised wearing of service decorations.
Currently those who are convicted in New Zealand face a fine of up to $500 only. If in these two incidents it was a case of "valour envy" they were foolish.
They had both served their country. No service record embellishment was necessary. The respect they already earned is now long gone.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait lives in Rotorua. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness.
