This Veterans Day, as Americans honor those who have served in the military, it’s essential to shed light on a troubling phenomenon that disrespects the sacrifice of genuine veterans: stolen valor. Stolen valor refers to individuals who falsely claim military honors, combat experience, or other distinguished service to gain admiration, sympathy, or even financial benefit. For veterans who have served honorably, witnessing this behavior is painful and often infuriating.
For many veterans, especially those who have seen combat or faced the grueling challenges of military life, boasting about such experiences is unthinkable. Service often involves confronting harrowing situations, such as violent encounters, live fire, or witnessing death. These experiences leave deep, sometimes lifelong, scars. Combat veterans, in particular, tend to be humble about their service, understanding that the burdens of war are best shared only with those who can truly understand.
In the U.S. Marine Corps and other military branches, there is an unspoken code among veterans: real service and sacrifice speak for themselves. Those who have faced the difficulties of combat seldom feel the need to embellish their experiences or seek recognition. The memories are often painful and difficult to process. For some veterans, the transition back into civilian life is a long, uphill battle. They carry their memories with quiet dignity, unwilling to exploit their service or pain for personal gain.
Unfortunately, some people seek to profit from false tales of military heroism, claiming combat experience, awards, or ranks they never earned. These false claims—whether made to gain social status, monetary rewards, or other advantages—are known as stolen valor. To real veterans, this behavior is deeply offensive. Stolen valor not only disrespects the sacrifices of true veterans but also undermines the public’s trust in the military. Many veterans feel strongly that stolen valor is morally reprehensible and unacceptable under any circumstances.
Moreover, those who make false claims about military service often underestimate the responsibility that comes with wearing the title of “combat veteran.” For true combat veterans, living up to this responsibility involves carrying the weight of their experiences without exploiting them. They view their service as an integral part of their character—something to live by, not flaunt.
Many veterans, like me, a Marine Corps veteran who served during the Gulf War without seeing combat, are disturbed by stolen valor. They understand that military service is about selflessness, duty, and respect, not about using one’s service or false claims for personal gain. When an individual claims experiences they never had, it dilutes the honor of those who served with integrity and devalues the real sacrifices that veterans have made.
This Veterans Day, while celebrating the courage and sacrifice of genuine veterans, it is vital to remember that valor and honor cannot be faked. True veterans serve quietly, bearing the unseen weight of their experiences. They deserve our respect, and it is our collective responsibility to honor their service by condemning stolen valor and recognizing the difference between those who truly served and those who merely pretend.
