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.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Alberta Again: It is getting worse

The Honourable Donald Ethell has found yet more ways to wear his orders, decorations and medals incorrectly. In this photo he is wearing his trademark two neck insignia, accompanied by his double rowed miniatures including two unofficial awards, and his Order of St. John breast star. You are not supposed to wear miniatures during the day and it is not a Canadian tradition to layer miniature medals. In addition to this you are not supposed to wear the breast star of the Order of St. John on a business suit (even then it is way too high!). A link to this blog was emailed to the Lieutenant Governors staff, no response as of yet. This is one of the best examples of "How NOT to wear your medals" that Canada has. Even Richard Rohmer has not gone this far.
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