VA Announces "Veterans Pride Initiative""

Veterans Affairs Secretary R. James Nicholson, along with leaders of major veterans organizations, announces the Veteran's Pride Initiative at the Department of Veteran's Affairs headquarters in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2006 - Leaders of major veterans organizations joined Veterans Affairs Secretary R. James Nicholson here today in launching an effort to "kindle a new spark of patriotism" by asking men and women who have served in the military to wear their medals on Veterans Day.

"We are announcing a "Veterans Pride Initiative" to remind Americans of the pride and honor in the hearts of those who have served," Nicholson said at a news conference at VA headquarters. "We expect Americans will see our decorated heroes unite in spirit at ceremonies, in parades and elsewhere as a compelling symbol of courage and sacrifice on Veterans Day, the day we set aside to thank those who served and safeguarded our national security"

The campaign is modeled after a tradition in Australia and New Zealand, countries who honor the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps on April 25 each year, VA officials said. Nicholson said he hopes a U.S. tradition will ensue to emulate this pride in being a veteran and in honoring the nation’s veterans.

VA is offering information about the campaign on a Web page, http://www.va.gov/veteranspride/, where veterans also can obtain information about how to replace mislaid medals and learn how to confirm the decorations to which they are entitled

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Veterans Pride initiative?

A. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched the Veterans Pride initiative to rally America's veterans and their survivors around the cause of expressing patriotism and pride in past military service. Veterans Affairs Secretary the Honorable R. James Nicholson has encouraged America’s veterans to join in wearing their medals or miniature replicas on national holidays beginning with the nation's Nov. 11 celebration of Veterans Day 2006. Veterans organizations are cosponsoring the show of pride and will be urging members to proudly display their decorations on their civilian attire on patriotic national holidays.

Q. Where did the Veterans Pride initiative come from?

A. During recent international travel, Secretary Nicholson became aware of a similar tradition in Australia and New Zealand. In observing the annual April 25 holiday in those countries honoring the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), a tradition evolved wearing medals on ANZAC Day at ceremonies and marches as a show of pride and, in more recent years, with children of veterans wearing a deceased parent's medals.

Q. I have misplaced one or more of my medals. How can I get replacements?

A. An Internet search for "military medals" will generate considerable advertising links from private firms selling replica medals including miniatures. Retirees may wish to check with military exchanges or military clothing stores. Under certain circumstances official replacements for lost or damaged medals may be obtained from the government by veterans by sending a request to the appropriate branch of service. More information and links to initiate requests are available at http://www.va.gov/veteranspride/.

Q. If I request my duplicate medals from the government, will I receive them in time for Veterans Day this year?

A. The speed of fulfillment varies by military service and the availability of records. But order now to be ready for next year if you qualify for replacements at government expense.

Q. On what holidays does VA recommend veterans wear their medals?

A. VA encourages veterans to wear decorations on Veterans Day, July Fourth and Memorial Day.

Q. I'm not sure I recall correctly what medals I received. Where can I obtain this information?

A. Service histories are available from government archives to veterans and to their next of kin. Information about these sources and request procedures is available at VA's Web page on the Veterans Pride initiative at http://www.va.gov/veteranspride/.

Q. How should the medals be worn?

A. Veterans are encouraged to wear their decorations on their civilian clothing over the left breast. Other guidance such as order of precedence of various decorations is available in links at http://www.va.gov/veteranspride/.

Q. I have seen news articles reporting on concerns about veterans wearing medals they did not earn, including possible legislation. How does that work with this initiative?

A. The primary concern you reference has been where individuals have represented themselves to have had military service -- combat zone or other experience -- that is not true, or claiming high-profile medals that they did not earn. VA views this as a different matter than a veteran wearing his or her earned honors. VA does not encourage veterans to wear medals where there is uncertainty about their service records.