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Veterans Encouraged to Wear Military Medals on Memorial Day

May 22, 2007

Nicholson: Show Pride, Teach Younger Generations

WASHINGTON – To show their pride in military service and teach younger generations about the value of serving our nation, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson urged veterans across the country to pin on their military medals on Memorial Day, May 28.

"Wearing their medals demonstrates the deep pride our veterans have in their military service,” said Nicholson. “It also reminds all American citizens -- especially the young -- about the sacrifices our veterans have made for their freedom.”

He encouraged veterans to display their medals no matter what they are doing on Memorial Day, but especially when attending public events. Nicholson said he believes the movement will become a tradition. Nicholson first urged veterans to wear their military decorations last Veterans Day under a program called "Veterans Pride Initiative.”

About 24 million living Americans have served in the armed forces, with nearly 18 million wearing the uniforms of the U.S. military during times of war and conflict.

Nicholson said he hopes veterans will wear their medals on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Veterans Day, and when attending other patriotic events. Major U.S. veterans organizations have endorsed the Veterans Pride Initiative.

Additional information about the initiative is featured at VA's Web site at http://www.va.gov/veteranspride/ , where veterans can also learn how to replace mislaid medals or confirm the decorations to which they are entitled.

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Larry Scott

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