Introduction

Over the past decade we have noticed a rampant increase in the number of people who are wearing their orders, decorations and medals incorrectly. The cadre of people who flagrantly violate the official rules on how you are supposed to wear your medals ranges from the average veteran right up to current and former Governors General. Indeed, there is much evidence to suggest that the higher the rank of the individual the more likely they are to just wear whatever they want, however they want. We like to think of this as “Instant Dictator Syndrome” or self-aggrandizement at its most obvious.

Why do people wear their medals incorrectly? Often it is because they simply do not know any better. If you are one of these people you should consult WEARING ORDERS, DECORATIONS AND MEDALS which is available from the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall. This guide will help you figure out how you are supposed to wear your officially granted orders, decorations and medals.

When it comes to wearing your medals incorrectly the worst offenders tend to be former Governors General, Lieutenant Governors and retired Generals. When these people – all in authority and all surrounded by staff who know better – wear their medals wrong they are obviously suffering from the dreaded Instant Dictator Syndrome. The attitude accompanied with this most severe condition is “the more medals I wear the more important I will look.”

This simple blog is aimed at revealing the myriad of fellow Canadians who cannot seem to wear their medals correctly.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Richard Rohmer, OC, CMM, DFC, OOnt, CD, QC

Our self professed "most decorated citizen" Major General (ret) Richard Rohmer still insists on wearing a CF uniform. I have always felt that once you retire from the CF that you should cease wearing the uniform. Unfortunately you just have to apply to DND and you can get permission to continue wearing it, no matter how much you start to look like the Michelin Man. 


I understand that Rohmer has been told repeatedly that he is only allowed to wear two neck orders at a time, yet he insists on wearing three, which just looks silly. Here we see him with his OC, CMM and OOnt. Thankfully he did not add his fourth neck order to the mix here (his KStJ). Even illustrious heroes of the Second World War have to follow the rules. When in CF uniform the rules are all the more important because you are setting an example for your subordinates and peers. 
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