STOLEN VALOR ACT CHALLENGED 

It was with a sad and almost dis-believing heart that I watched the TV news this evening and heard it reported that the United States Supreme Court is going to hear arguments challenging the constitutionality of the Stolen Valor Act.

The law is being challenged in court by Xavier Alvarez, who, while serving as a public official in California, introduced himself to an audience by saying, “I’m a retired Marine for 25 years. I was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.”

Mr. Alvarez in fact never even served in any branch of the military.  I am amazed at his audacity in claiming that his conviction for violation of the Stolen Valor Act of 2005 was a violation of his constitutional right to free speech under the First Amendment.

Of all the cases presented to the United States Supreme Court for consideration, this case is one that shouldn’t take up very much of the Court’s time.  In my opinion, it is an affront to the Congress of the United States and to all the present and past members of the military for the United States Supreme Court to even consider this case. However, it appears that some members of this August Body are intimating they believe that upholding this law would lead to other laws that would infringe on the right of free speech.

Having served in the United States Army, it was by the grace of God that I was not called upon to demonstrate any degree of heroism or valor in combat.  However, I believe that if lying should ever be a crime, it is the type of lie told by Xavier Alvarez.  If he is allowed to claim protection under the Constitution for this offense, it will be an insult to all of the brave men and women who have faithfully served their country in times of war and peace. 

I realize that lying has become a way of life for many in this country.  Personal gain, whether it be monetary, for fame, or for other reasons, seems to drive some to these heinous acts.  Maybe I’m just naïve, but I think there are still a lot of us who believe in honesty, integrity and generally good conduct. I salute all present and former members of the military and I have heartfelt gratitude and admiration for those whose actions have merited medals for putting themselves in harm’s way to protect the freedoms we Americans enjoy.  I do not believe the Founding Fathers of this great nation felt differently than I.  Therefore, I pray that the Justices will make short work of this case and uphold the Stolen Valor Act.  I’m sure that many of the questions pondered by the Justices have already been addressed by Congress before they passed this most important legislation.

Let those who have died in the service of our country to not have died in vain.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN, ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETARY