Medal wearer's public shame

With any luck, Don Moselen is feeling ashamed about now.

The former Otaki RSA president appeared in court this week and pleaded guilty to wearing medals he was not entitled to.

The Levin District Court was packed with angry war veterans wearing medals they had earned, as Moselen admitted wearing Vietnam War medals at Anzac Day services, despite not serving in the conflict. He was charged after veterans made an official complaint to national RSA headquarters.

Thankfully, over the past few years there appears to have been a resurgence in interest in the historical activities of our armed forces - the wars they fought in and the battles that some survived, but many did not.

There's now also a greater understanding of why medals are awarded to members of our armed forces, along with the recognition and respect that quite rightfully comes with the award.

Anzac Day dawn services are becoming increasingly popular with generations of people keen to pay their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

That said, no-one understands the horrors of war like those who actually served.

For Moselen to wear medals he did not earn is a slap in the face to every soldier in this country as well as their families.

Moselen is the first person to be charged under the 1918 Military Decorations & Distinctive Badges Act with falsely wearing a medal. The maximum fine is $500.

While $500 may not appear to be much of a sanction, in this instance, Moselen's greatest punishment will not come from the judiciary - it will be through the condemnation and contempt he will now receive from war veterans and other RSA members across the country - people he used to be able to call his peers.

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