Wearing of Awards by Family

[Zulu 36]

I was reading an article today about the Aussies and New Zealanders observing ANZAC Day. I noted in the photos something I have seen many times before over the years, that people from the UK and Commonwealth nations often wear military medals on their right breast during certain ceremonies and observances.

I know that this is a custom in that folks wear the military medals of close family on their right breast when the family member is deceased and cannot wear their own honors. Usually close family means parents, children, spouses, siblings, or grandparents. They wear them on the right so as not to be confused as posers.

Military veterans wear their own awards on the left breast as usual and can also wear awards from family at the same time on the right. In civvies only, of course.

I was wondering what you guys thought about that custom and would it work here in the US?

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[Mongoose]

Sounds respectful to me. .....That being said, we have plenty of posers here in America.

[radio relay]

rc.jpg
Russell Crowe wore his Grandfather's Victoria Cross when he picked up the academy award ... looks like it's on his left breast, though

[radio relay]

Correction: That's not a Victoria Cross. It's a Member Of The British Empire (MBE). They're awarded for valor by the Brits (I think) ... I had a very difficult time finding what it was ... sorry for the misinformation

[Zulu 36]

Correction: That's not a Victoria Cross. It's a Member Of The British Empire (MBE). They're awarded for valor by the Brits (I think) ... I had a very difficult time finding what it was ... sorry for the misinformation

The MBE is usually awarded for significant service or contributions to the UK. It is a relatively low ranking order, often given to actors, musicians, scientists and the like. Crowe's wearing of the award on his left side indicates it is his award, but it is not. It was his grandfather's award. Although he wore it on the wrong side, Crowe has always said it was his grandfather's, not his own.

[radio relay]

thanks, Zulu ... Appreciate the update ...

I don't like a tradition of wearing a family member's medals. I'd never in a million years wear by Dad's Bronze Star, that he was awarded for valor in Korea. Even if it was a tradition here.