This post is mostly for readers from New Zealand or Australia, but for anyone else still interested, the RSA has some good info about what Anzac Day stands for.
Anyway! Because I am a Pippins leader for Girl Guiding NZ, I went to an Anzac memorial service this morning. Along with the usual service content of prayers, hymns, poetry and wreath-laying, I spotted a few people wearing medals and various decorations that I assume belonged to their fathers/grandfathers.
Both of my grandfathers were war veterans, and I know mum has her father’s medals, which were left to her when he passed away in 1995. After we left the service, I asked her what she thought of the people who wore the things they had inherited, and whether or not she would ever consider doing so in memory of her father.
She said she wasn’t sure, and that although she understood that it was being done as a symbol of pride in their relatives, and she didn’t think her father would have objected to her wearing his, she didn’t know that she had the "right" to wear them or that it would feel appropriate.
When we got home, her younger sister phoned, and I asked her the same question. Obviously she doesn’t have the medals in her possession, but she said that even if she did have them, she definitely wouldn’t wear them since she wouldn’t feel like they were really hers to wear.
I also thought about what I’d do. Although I don’t typically attend Anzac services (this year was the first year I have been, since I was a kid going as a Pippin and Brownie myself) I don’t think I would wear them if I did go. Although I certainly respect my "Poppa", acknowledge the things he did and don’t think he would mind my wearing them, I don’t think it would feel right, especially Anzac services together. If we had, and it was our "thing", perhaps I would feel differently. I am aware, however, that the people I saw today are entitled to feel differently.
I don’t know their family circumstances. Who knows, the veterans themselves might have asked their children or grandchildren to wear the medals to services on their behalf once they died or became too frail to attend in person, in which case it is obviously perfectly acceptable.
Either way, I’m interested in what other people think (as always), is this appropriate or not?
I don’t know how I would feel about wearing my fathers service medals . Still I have no problem with those who wear there relatives medals to Anzac day services . I have done my own Anzac day blog entry .
I think a part of me would be really proud to wear the medals. I know my great-grandfathers, and my mum’s father were involved in wars, but I don’t actually know if any medals still exist, or who’s got them if there are some. I should look into that.
Anyway, as I said, I think I’d be proud, but at the same time because I didn’t know any of those men particularly well, or not at all, I’m not sure I would feel comfortable wearing them. If my dad’s father had been old enough to go war and had medals, I would probably feel comfortable wearing his because I’m quite close to him.
Here in the states it is looked down upon. Pretty much for the reason your mother said. That those who did not receive the honors should not wear the honors. I, personally, would not wear the medals, however, I’m not going to be upset with those that do. I think I get more upset when people won’t remove their hats during our National Anthem. LOL
I think if I were in this particular situation I would probably have some sort of small shadow box to carry and show.
Like you, I think I’d only wear them if I was really close to the family member who earned them and that was our ‘thing’, and probably also if I was involved in an organisation that had a lot to do with ANZAC day, like the armed forces or something.
None of my grandparents or parents have fought in wars that I know of – grandparents were too young for WWII and my parents were too young for Vietnam, but I think that if there were any medals in the family and in my possession, I’d carry them rather than wear them as I wouldn’t feel like I had earned the right to wear them.
I’m blogging about ANZAC day too.
My Grandfather was a war verteran and I would never wear them. I do think it would be disrespecting them but they are his to wear because he earned them. I do hold them and look at them and that is pride in itself for me. I loved my grandfather with all my heart up until he passed away and attending the rememberance service here in Nov is enough for me. His medals will always be passed down in our family but only for the bauity in the way they were fought fo not to be worn.
I completely understand why people would wear them as I dont think it is wrong or inhumane. How amazing would it be to wear something that is so special to be passed down for generations to come. I have no problem with others doing at all, but for me wearing my grandads medals would be like someone else walking around with my degree I have worked tirlessly on.
Hello, Thanks for stopping by. I love your blog , you have many interesteing things to read. As you can see, my BF just adopted a little girl from China. She is the joy of our lives right now. I also have 6 granbabies. keep in touch
[...] who are not sure what this is about, today is Anzac Day. I posted about this in a bit more detail last year, if you want to read about what it [...]