There is a perception that descendants, like in Australia, can wear medals on Nov 11. It is not permitted by law, and is discouraged by the Legion in their dress regulations. <<
http://www.rcl554.webcentre.ca/dress.html >> The GG says no <<
http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=71 >>, and DND says no <<
http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dhr-...dex-eng.asp#q9 >>
At the risk of offending sincere emotion, let me suggest that this sentiment gives parades the appearance of a reunion of Soviet admirals. There are veterans and others who have legitimate orders, gallantry, campaign, service medals on the left breast; and members of the Royal Canadian Legion or Army Navy Air Force Veterans, wear their positional service medals on the right. I don't support non-veterans wearing someone else's medals, even on the right side.
My father had a modest Militia career with an exceptional service shooting record. His two-medal and six-bar set was evaluated at over C$10,000 on the auction market. He earned them; not me or my son or my neice, and I wouldn't let someone else wear them. What is the difference if one of us was to claim his educational postnomial letters?
There is grumbling in the press whenever a significant set of medals comes up for auction. Although the sales are legal, families have to argue that the medals are not public property, but a deceased person's effects.