vietnam veterans throw away their medals

Kerry threw away the ribbons from his medals, along with the actual medals of two veterans who were not able to attend the ceremony, according to the candidate's Web site. "I never ever implied that I did it, " Kerry told the newspaper, responding to the question of whether he threw away his medals in protest. Kerry was asked if he gave back the Bronze Star, Silver Star and three Purple Hearts he was awarded for combat duty as a Navy lieutenant in Vietnam. February 8, 1971: South Vietnamese army suffers devastating losses in … They saw the government as the enemy of the United States because of its efforts to fight a war with no chance of true victory at the expense of young lives. The veterans threw their medals toward the convention center. The disputed incident happened 33 years ago this past weekend, on April 23, 1971, when Kerry led the group Vietnam Veterans Against the War in a protest against the war they fought. They were calling them out for deceiving the American people, for continuing to enforce a war that could not be won, and for trying to cover up the atrocities that were committed by the military. Status: False. The idea that they were traitors is not valid because they had served their country and were merely exercising their right as citizens to criticize the government. The government had lost the respect of the veterans because they refused to listen to them and continued to put resources towards an unjust war. Medals of America offers a wide range of veteran merchandise such … May 4, 1970: Kent State shooting. The only thing you had to show for your sacrifice and the sacrifice of your comrades was an award, ribbon, or medal. After 9 months, Congress reaches COVID-19 compromise deal, Cross-country Christmas storm likely to have severe impact on East Coast, Congress seals agreement on COVID relief, government funding, Fired attorney Sidney Powell advising Trump to chart a scorched-earth course. What happened to them? And in an interview with ABCNEWS' Peter Jennings last December, he said it was a "myth. The statue outside of the US Capitol building where all the awards and medals were thrown by the veterans. The following video shows real footage from the event and commentary: By 1971, the perception of the Vietnam War was starting to become an extremely divisive topic in the eyes of the American people. WASHINGTON ON THE WAY to the fence where he threw some of his military decorations 33 years ago, I was 4 or 5 feet behind John Kerry.. As he neared the spot from which members of Vietnam Veterans Against the War were parting with a few of the trappings of their difficult past to help them face their future more squarely, I watched Kerry reach with his right hand into the breast pocket … Medals of the Vietnam War The medals created and awarded during the Vietnam War were awarded by the United States or the former government of South Vietnam to the Vietnamese military and the U.S. military. Iraq war Veteran throws throws his medals and stars, and explains why. This strong statement was basically calling for revolution if necessary. –This medal is intended to honor the service of ALL Veterans of the Vietnam war, whether you served in Vietnam or in direct support of Vietnam. This includes family members with the signed authorization of the veteran. During the Vietnam war protests over 800 Veterans threw their medals away at the Capitol building. Or have served less than six months but was wounded, captured, and escaped enemy forces, or was killed in action. On Friday, April 23, more than 800 veterans individually tossed their medals, ribbons, discharge papers, and other war mementos on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, rejecting the Vietnam War and the significance of those awards. "In a real sense, this administration forced us to return our medals because beyond the perversion of the war, these leaders themselves denied us the integrity those symbols supposedly gave our lives," Kerry said the following day. VVAW Dewey Canyon III – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P1zXcQ3ZGw, A Vietnam War veteran speaking at an anti-war protest in Washington – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkJ2aIRQl-I, Vets throwing medals at Washington – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7jhs-bGyFQ, Forrest Gump: Best Scene – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcOTZeZ3_40, Dewey Canyon III – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Emg-a_qTFQ0, “Fortunate Son,” Creedence Clearwater Revival, 1969, “Main Titles from the HBO Miniseries Band of Brothers,” Michael Kamen, 2001, “Band of Brothers Requiem (Voice),” Michael Kamen, 2001, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/345510602634888996/, http://www.vvaw.org/veteran/article/?id=1882, http://www.vvaw.org/veteran/article/?id=112, http://www.viewsandthoughts.com/wp-content/uploads/kerry-throwing-medals-1.jpg, http://media2.s-nbcnews.com/j/msnbc/components/slideshows/_production/ss-100429-vietnam/ss-100429-vietnam-24.nbcnews-ux-1024-900.jpg, http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/group-of-veterans-of-the-war-in-vietnam-protest-the-ongoing-conflict-picture-id515047862, Operation Dewey Canyon III – http://www.vvaw.org/veteran/article/?id=1656, Vietnam Veterans Against the War (Wikipedia) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_Veterans_Against_the_War, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P1zXcQ3ZGw, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkJ2aIRQl-I, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7jhs-bGyFQ, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcOTZeZ3_40, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Emg-a_qTFQ0, http://www.vvaw.org/veteran/article/?id=1656, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vietnam_Veterans_Against_the_War. By throwing away their awards, the Vietnam Veterans were actively defying the government. In April 1971, thousands of Vietnam Veterans from a newly formed organization called Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW) met in Washington, D.C. calling for an end to the war in Vietnam. Many veterans were seen throwing their medals and ribbons over the fence in front of the U.S. Capitol. Family of WW1 soldier reunited with medal he threw away. April 30, 1970: Nixon’s speech on Cambodia. Many different protest strategies were used including but not limited to: singing, guerrilla theater, occupation of monuments and offices, aggressive lobbying with officials, and camping on federal grounds. This entire five day demonstration was perhaps the single most powerful anti-war demonstration in the US, firmly establishing VVAW as one of the leading forces in the … I didn't have my medals. Throwing away these medals issued by their government showed that they rejected their government and demanded change, adding also a threat of escalation if need be. The disputed incident happened 33 years ago this past weekend, on April 23, 1971, when Kerry led the group Vietnam Veterans Against the War in a protest against the war they fought. Throughout his presidential campaign, Kerry has denied that he threw away any of his medals during an anti-war protest in April 1971. Kerry acknowledged the medals he threw away were, in fact, another soldier's medals. "We threw away the symbols of what our country gave us for what we had gone through," he said. Kerry's campaign Web site says he "is proud of the work he did to end the war. During the Vietnam war protests over 800 Veterans threw their medals away at the Capitol building. Why Kerry threw his ribbons The veterans who tossed their medals at the steps of the U.S. Capitol in 1971 just wanted to wake up their country to the disastrous tragedy of Vietnam. By fighting in a war that meant nothing, these veterans had sacrificed more than those in the past who had fought for just causes – causes against true evil and injustice. Part of the protest included veterans throwing their medals away, including Scott Olsen. But in 1984, when he first ran for the U.S. Senate, Kerry revealed he still had his medals. Matt Howard, 29, who served in the Marines from 2001 to 2006, said the rate of … "I threw my ribbons. This symbolic act by the veterans is one of the strongest acts of protest in American history. April 29, 1970: Cambodian incursion begins. Despite repeated attempts by parts of the federal government to thwart the veterans’ protest efforts, the veterans remained strong and united in defying government authority in order to enforce their message. They are typically not authorized for wear on active duty uniforms. He reportedly invited a union official home to personally inspect his Silver Star, Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts, awarded for his combat duty as a Navy lieutenant. 9:54. The statement directly contradicts Kerry's most recent claims on the disputed subject to the Los Angeles Times last Friday. The veterans weren’t promoting communism at all. This morning vets lined up outside Capitol at about 11 a.m., waiting in a long line for their turn to throw away what they angrily termed their "worthless" and "bullshit" medals. Knowing the power of its message, you willingly throw these away, labeling them as garbage. And in 1988, Kerry again clarified his statement by saying he threw out ribbons he had been awarded for three combat wounds, but not his medals. It is an act of defiance, sacrifice, and true patriotism. DCIII was highlighted by over 1,000 veterans throwing away their war medals at the Capitol steps in anger over the continuing war. “Dissent is the highest form of patriotism” – This is a quote that is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, one of the nation’s founding fathers and authors of our most treasured documents. Congress granted an … 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. The veterans called it a “limited incursion into the country of Congress.” The week of demonstrations started at Arlington Cemetery and spread to other iconic venues in the nation’s capital throughout the week. The Nixon Administration made John Kerry one of its targets and Republicans have been smearing him ever since. Watching the Chicago anti-NATO protest live was a very moving experience. April 26, 2004 -- Contradicting his statements as a candidate for president, Sen. John Kerry claimed in a 1971 television interview that he threw away as many as nine of his combat medals to protest the war in Vietnam. The most symbolic of these strategies occurred on the last day when Veterans went to the U.S. Capitol to hand over their awards and medals to Congress. If they’re unable to do so, they may construct an ad hoc memorial or toss the medals toward the convention center — like some 900 Vietnam veterans did in 1971 on Capitol Hill in an anti-war protest dubbed “Operation Dewey Canyon III.” (Editor: Somewhat ironically, Senator John Kerry, was a leader of that Vietnam vets’ protest. He also said he — and the military — didn't make a distinction between medals and ribbons. A small group of British military veterans throw off their medals outside Downing Street in protest at the bombing in Syria. (CNSNews.com) - Did John F. Kerry throw away his Vietnam War medals or didn't he? Another threw over the fence a can he used as a result of a war injury. The veterans called it a “limited incursion into the country of Congress.” The week of demonstrations started at Arlington Cemetery and spread to other iconic venues in the nation’s capital throughout the week. Many medals were awarded to soldiers, Marines, sailors, and airmen posthumously and were delivered to their … Several hearings in Congress were held that week regarding atrocities committed in Vietnam and the U.S. media's inaccurate coverage of the war. Asked about the anti-war veterans who threw their medals away, Kerry said "they decided to give them back to their country.". Discharge papers, Silver Stars, Bronze Stars, Purple hearts. May 4, 1970: Kent State shooting. ... Veterans Throw Medals - Chicago NATO. Get the best deals on Vietnam Veterans Medal when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. ODN. ", But Kerry told a much different story on Viewpoints. He said nothing about ribbons -- mentioning only "medals" in that 1971 interview. Hundreds of veterans threw their medals and other military commendations over the fence and in doing so rejected any characterisation of their service as valorous or patriotic. 2:03. What happened to them? In all, literally thousands of medals were thrown back at the government that had sent each of the veterans to fight for the US ruling class. Medals of America’s mission is to enable every Veteran and Service member to represent their service and display the medals our nation has awarded them through collectible and memorabilia items. Though their actions of throwing away awards for comrades could be seen as disrespectful, it was really a sign of sacrifice and symbolism of how they were martyrs for the wrong cause. It is very simple.". ... "Apparently it was quite common for soldiers to throw their medals away at the time … WASHINGTON ON THE WAY to the fence where he threw some of his military decorations 33 years ago, I was 4 or 5 feet behind John Kerry.. As he neared the spot from which members of Vietnam Veterans Against the War were parting with a few of the trappings of their difficult past to help them face their future more squarely, I watched Kerry reach with his right hand into the breast pocket … Vietnam war medals and awards are split into 2 categories: those awarded for service of merit or valor and those given for service of a particular location or event. Imagine giving up the only token you had to show for fighting in a war with no meaning and no just cause. The ceremonial discarding of the combat medals came at the end of nearly a weeklong demonstration that Mr. Kerry had helped organize as a member of Vietnam Veterans Against the War. They sacrificed their morals, their innocence, and, most importantly, their hearts. In other words, the government didn’t deserve respect. MENU ... a total of 58,280 veterans died from combat injuries or illnesses brought on by their Vietnam tours.SGT. To recognize their service and specific honorable actions in particular, several Vietnam War medals and ribbons were designed by both U.S. and foreign governments. Served outside Vietnam and still gave combat support for six months. Dissent itself is a sacrifice, and true patriots will sacrifice everything for the love of their country. A patriot is someone who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it from enemies. This time they had answered the call to fight for what ended up being the invading side and the side that was killing innocent people. These Veterans loved their country, but not their government. Calling it a "phony controversy" instigated by the Republican party, Kerry said on Good Morning America today that he has always accurately said what took place. Medals of America proudly carries official Vietnam War medals and ribbons as well as commemorative medals for veterans and their families. Originally designed to ferry oil workers to ocean rigs, swift boats offered flimsy protection. This is the sacrifice that this particular protest strategy symbolized – they were stripping themselves of any symbols that were trying to justify their actions in Vietnam, but also of their own honor. By throwing away their awards, the Vietnam Veterans were actively defying the government. Eight Vietnam veterans to receive Medals of Honor. The disputed incident happened 33 years ago this past weekend, on April 23, 1971, when Kerry led the group Vietnam Veterans Against the War in a protest against the war they fought. I know that archives of the gifts left at the Vietnam memorial are retained, but what happened to these protest medals? Then they would turn around and throw awards, medals, ribbons, commendations and many other materials from the war over the fence at the foot of the statue. I always was proud of them," he told Jennings in December, adding that he had only thrown away his "ribbons" and the medals of two other veterans who could not attend the protest. In fact, the very action of criticizing the government is a very democratic principle that really is only able to happen because of democracy. Vietnam veteran Doyce Bailey, left, of Cedar Rapids speaks as U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst looks on Thursday during a medal presentation at the Veterans Memorial Building in Cedar Rapids. Many veterans were seen throwing their medals and ribbons over the fence in front of the U.S. Capitol. February 8, 1971: South Vietnamese army suffers devastating losses in … It is ironic because that action thrust him into the public spotlight for the … President Barack Obama on Monday will bestow the Medal of Honor on a pair of soldiers for their acts of bravery in the Vietnam War. According to a Boston Globe report on April 15, 1984, union officials had expressed uneasiness with Kerry's candidacy because he had thrown his medals away. "I gave back, I can't remember, six, seven, eight, nine medals," Kerry said in an interview on a Washington, D.C., news program on WRC-TV called Viewpoints on Nov. 6, 1971, according to a tape obtained by ABCNEWS. The event was called Operation Dewey Canyon III by the veterans, named after a series of small scale incursions into Laos and Cambodia by the same name. Watching the Chicago anti-NATO protest live was a very moving experience. April 29, 1970: Cambodian incursion begins. One veteran threw away his nine Purple Hearts. When worn or displayed their order of precedence is immediately after the lowest authorized U.S. award. Veterans throw away their war medals in disgust at British air strikes in Syria. Many veterans were seen throwing their medals and ribbons over the fence in front of the U.S. Capitol. Many veterans were seen throwing their medals and ribbons over the fence in front of the U.S. Capitol. Many vocal groups began to form in opposition to the war and massive demonstrations were common across the country.In April 1971, thousands of Vietnam Veterans from a newly formed organization called Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW) met in Washington, D.C. calling for an end to the war in Vietnam. News of the horrors of war, the continued stalemate, and increasing civilian casualties were causing people to question a war they originally thought was for all the right reasons. Because bullets could easily penetrate the hull, sailors hung flak jackets over the sides. Part of the protest included veterans throwing their medals away, including Scott Olsen. People said that the veterans against the Vietnam War were traitors, that they were disrespectful to their fallen comrades and their regiment, and that they were communist sympathizers. North Vietnam, South Vietnam, and the United States all issued awards and decorations during the conflict.. They were calling them out for deceiving the American people, for continuing to enforce a war that could not be won, and for trying to cover up the atrocities that were committed by the military. The veterans who tossed their medals at the steps of the U.S. Capitol in 1971 just wanted to wake up their country to the disastrous tragedy of Vietnam. The fence didn’t stop the veterans. In the 1971 Viewpoints interview, he made no mention of the ribbons or the medals belonging to another veteran. He said nothing about ribbons -- mentioning only "medals" in that 1971 interview. Despite repeated attempts by parts of the federal government to thwart the veterans’ protest efforts, the veterans remained strong and united in defying government authority in order to enforce their message. April 23, 1971: Hundreds of Vietnam veterans throw away their medals at the United States Capitol. For the Veteran: in general, the military services will work replacement medal requests for the veteran at no cost. ABCNEWS' Madeleine Sauer contributed to this report. After putting a sign on the statue in front of the Capitol building that read “TRASH,” one by one each veteran stood before the crowd of protestors and other onlookers and said their name, rank, regiment and the award they received from Vietnam. Some men even said on the steps how they didn’t want to fight anymore, but if they had to, it would be to take the steps of the capitol. And on and on it went. (CNSNews.com) - Did John F. Kerry throw away his Vietnam War medals or didn't he? Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices. In a newly surfaced 1971 interview with a Washington, D.C., television station, the young Kerry said he threw away "six, seven, eight, nine" medals. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? April 30, 1970: Nixon’s speech on Cambodia. Awards and decorations of the Vietnam War were military decorations which were bestowed by the major warring parties during the years of the Vietnam War. Eight years later in 1996, Kerry said while he did throw out his ribbons, he didn't throw out his own medals because he "didn't have time to go home [to New York] and get them," he told The Boston Globe. Speed was its saving grace but that wasnt always an option in narrow, heavily mined canals. "Well, and above that, [I] gave back the others," he said. Veterans throw away their war medals in disgust at British air strikes in Syria. veterans to throw medals away A group of Iraq war veterans have pledged to toss their medals over the security fence surrounding the summit site in a symbolic protest. The true problem here wasn’t communism. At issue is Kerry's participation in a 1971 protest at which several veterans discarded their medals in protest of the Vietnam War. The disputed incident happened 33 years ago this past weekend, on April 23, 1971, when Kerry led the group Vietnam Veterans Against the War in a protest against the war they fought. The boats loud engine invited ambushes. John Kerry threw his ribbons and the medals of two veterans who could not attend the event, and said, 'I am not doing this for any violent reasons, but for peace and justice, and to try to make this country wake up once and for all.'". "I'm proud of my medals. Jiinyahe. The Boston Globe and other newspapers reported that Kerry was among these veterans. I know that archives of the gifts left at the Vietnam memorial are retained, but what happened to these protest medals? Presumed Democratic Presidential nominee John Kerry said in an interview more than 30 years ago that he threw away some of his Vietnam combat medals – … The veterans loved their country, but not their government. By … That morning, almost 1,000 veterans arrived at the Capitol building to find a freshly-built fence preventing anyone from getting too close to the building. April 23, 1971: Hundreds of Vietnam veterans throw away their medals at the United States Capitol. Hundreds of veterans threw their medals and other military commendations over the fence and in doing so rejected any characterisation of their service as valorous or patriotic. Veterans throw away medals over Syria plans. Claim: John Kerry’s Vietnam War service medals (a Bronze Star, a Silver Star and three Purple Hearts) were earned under “fishy” circumstances. "I was proud of my personal service and remain so," he told the National Journal. In a newly surfaced 1971 interview with a Washington, D.C., television station, the young Kerry said he threw away "six, seven, eight, nine" medals. 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