2008 Army Signal Ball Manhattan Kansas

[James MacMillan]

So you would tell that young man he was wrong? To his face? Is that how a warrior behaves? Do you realise those medals were his dads or grandads medals? I'd like to see you do that at an ANZAC Day parade, mate -- I doubt you'd like the response from this young man's marching comrades.

I see kids everyday who do not care about the sacrifices made in wartime. Would to God that they acted like this young man, showing pride in his country and his family. How can you even begin to say that is wrong? How is it a mistake for a young man to show pride in what his grandad did in WWII, or his dad in Vietnam?

I'm sorry you can't see the value in the tradition. One would think you, of all people, would be glad that future generations were remembering the sacrifice of those who gave their tomorrow for our today.

T.

No, I wouldn't say it to his face. That does not mean that I don't think that it is wrong. I am not in that part of the world, and I would not try to change their traditions. I do understand the reasons, I don't agree with them. I would much rather see him carry the awards on a plaque, or carry a framed picture of his relative. In my opinion, this young man has not earned the right to wear them, I think it is wrong.

There are many ways to remember the past.

[macwilkin]

No, I wouldn't say it to his face. That does not mean that I don't think that it is wrong. I am not in that part of the world, and I would not try to change their traditions. I do understand the reasons, I don't agree with them. I would much rather see him carry the awards on a plaque, or carry a framed picture of his relative. In my opinion, this young man has not earned the right to wear them, I think it is wrong.

There are many ways to remember the past.

All I'll say is this: this young man doesn't need to earn those medals. His dad/grandad/brother/uncle already did, for him and for Australia. They earned them at Milne Bay, Tobruk, The Hook, Long Tan, Borneo, East Timor and the Gulf. They earned them on the Western Front and at Gallipoli.

I respect your right to your opinion and your service, but I still stand with the Aussies.

T.

[Nervous Jock]

In my opinion, this young man has not earned the right to wear them, I think it is wrong.

I have come in late to this but I find this opinion really sad.