Why bother with medals at all then? if it's just for showing appreciation when those serving are in uniform then does that appreciation vanish when they leave the forces, does all the good and bad these people have gone through mean nothing except to those who went through it, let em wear their medals, they've earnt them, why shouldn't the young question what they mean, when told they might just have abit more respect for that 'funnily old bloke' living next door. Rememberance day isn't just about remembering the fallen, it's about remembering the suffering of those left behind as well. You should look at the faces of some of the WW2 vets on rememberance day, you'll realise they've suffered everyday since, would you want to be the one to tell them they shouldn't wear their medals.
Still don't get it do you?
The whole point of Remembrance is to remember those who "made the ultimate sacrifice."
It's not for saying thank you to the living, there are other ways to do that and I'll add, places for those who wish to wear their medals and reminisce.
Most regiments and units have Associations. Almost all will have reunions where people can get together and swing the lamp.
Remembrance Day is unique in that it's when all the Walts appear bedecked in badges and medals to which they are not entitled (they wouldn't dare turn-up at a reunion because they'd be spotted in seconds)..
It used to be that medals worn on the right breast denoted that the wearer was the next of kin of someone killed in action. Today, the world and his wife can be seen wearing medals in this manner.
Sorry but things are getting out of hand.
I think I can understand why people want to wear medals at Remembrance Services and I can even stretch to an understanding as to the Walt phenomena but when all is said and done, no-one needs to wear medals to display their thanks and respect to the dead.
As to the point of medals?
Well there are those that are "time-served" and for just being there. Then there are those for particular acts. Among the family medals on my mum's wall are two gallantry awards. One of the recipients is still alive. He has the right to put the award after his name. He doesn't. He knows about that gallantry award, he doesn't need to tell everyone else about it.