The Congressional Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest award for valor in actions against the enemy given to individuals serving in the United States military. Since its inception in 1862, the Medal of Honor has been awarded 3,468 times, of which 621 were awarded posthumously (U. S. Army Center of Military History, 2015). Those who have been awarded this medal have displayed great valor in actions against the enemy in combat and should be regarded with honor and integrity. Fraudulent claims to have earned this medal, often referred to as stolen valor, tarnish the reputation of those who have. Stolen valor damages not only the individuals who are committing the act but also damages those who have served and the reputation and honor of the awards. Stolen valor should not be protected
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Alvarez that the Stolen Valor Act of 2005 was unconstitutional and stolen valor was protected speech under the first amendment (United States v. Alvarez, 2012). The Supreme Court stated that by upholding the Stolen Valor Act of 2005 that it could lead to the government creating a list of topics that were illegal to lie about. Simply stating a lie is protected speech under the first amendment. However, lying about being a police officer while committing a secondary overt act is a felony. By the Supreme Court ruling that a lie about military awards and honors is protected speech under the first amendment, they are showing that it is ok to lie about earning our nation’s highest award for valor. At the same time, it is a felony to lie about being an officer or employee of the government. There should be no difference between lying about being an officer or employee of the government and lying about military service or awards because ultimately military members are employees of the government. When entering the military each individual takes and oath of enlistment upon signing their
Alvarez that the Stolen Valor Act of 2005 was unconstitutional and stolen valor was protected speech under the first amendment (United States v. Alvarez, 2012). The Supreme Court stated that by upholding the Stolen Valor Act of 2005 that it could lead to the government creating a list of topics that were illegal to lie about. Simply stating a lie is protected speech under the first amendment. However, lying about being a police officer while committing a secondary overt act is a felony. By the Supreme Court ruling that a lie about military awards and honors is protected speech under the first amendment, they are showing that it is ok to lie about earning our nation’s highest award for valor. At the same time, it is a felony to lie about being an officer or employee of the government. There should be no difference between lying about being an officer or employee of the government and lying about military service or awards because ultimately military members are employees of the government. When entering the military each individual takes and oath of enlistment upon signing their