dangerboy said:
Having just looked at the comments made in the petition I wonder how many of the people that signed it are aware of the current Canadian Honours and Awards. Most people (in my opinion from reading their comments) don't seem to be aware that we have the CD and a lot of people say it is the least we can do for our veterans. I think using the word veteran is just a ploy to pull on peoples emotions, hence why the are calling it "Volunteer Service Medal for Veterans" vice "Volunteer Service Medal for CF Members".
I think that you have hit the hammer on the head. It is a point that many, as you have pointed out, have been to lazy to research or investigate, and I believe PIC hasn't bothered to research. We do have an Honours and Awards system in place to deal with such matters.
What about all of us who have 'served honourably' in various locations around the country; does that give us cause to be awarded some of the Provincial awards as well? Looking at the
Chart of Awards at DH&R, there are Provincial medals that precede the Star of Military Valour:
G.O.Q., O.Q., C.Q. (Quebec)
S.O.M. (Saskatchewan)
O. Ont. (Ontario)
O.B.C. (BC)
A.O.E. (Albert)
O.P.E.I. (PEI)
O.M. (Manitoba)
O.N.B. (NB)
O.N.S. (NS)
O.N.L. (Newfoundland and Labrador)
These are among the 25 medals that have precedence over the Star of Military Valour, the Star of Courage, and the Metorious Service Cross; and the 107 medals that have precedence over the CD. Because I have served in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta; as well as in the Territories, do I deserve these medals as well? Let's get realistic about this. What this petition is all about is a 'Cause' to create a redundant award, by people who haven't bothered to meet the criteria to be awarded a medal in the past.