The Stolen Valor Act, a Federal law, has made it a criminal offense to lie about receiving a medal from the US Military or to wear a medal that was not earned. This crime is punishable by up to a year in jail.

Attorneys in Colorado and California are defending two men charged under the Stolen Valor Act, and challenging the law by using the First Amendment: Freedom of Speech. Under the First Amendment, you can say anything as long as it does not harm someone else.

Dozens of people have been arrested under the law and forced to do community service. One man who was charged and found guilty, Xavier Alvarez, was elected to the water district board in Pomona, California.  He had claimed to be a retired Marine who received the Medal of Honor. For those who don’t know, the Medal of Honor is the pinnacle of US Military decoration.

Alvarez eventually admitted that he never even served in the armed forces, and as punishment paid a $5000 fine and did 400 hours of community service. Although Alvarez plead guilty, his attorney is appealing the ruling with this First Amendment defense.

Another man using the same defense is Rick Glen Strandlof, who said he was an ex-Marine wounded in Iraq, thus received the Purple heart and Silver Star. He got two medals, that makes him extra cool I suppose. Why does everyone want to be an ex-Marine? What’s wrong with the Army,Navy and Air Force? These people could at least be equal opportunity liars.

Military officials say there is no record that Rich Glen Strandlof ever served in any branch of the armed forces. Strandlof was in a homeless shelter during the dates he had claimed to been almost killed by a roadside bombing in Iraq. He has since admitted it was a lie, yet still believes Freedom of Speech should protect him from prosecution.

Laywers for both men have gone as far as saying that if this is a crime so are half of the pickup lines in bars. I just feel there is a difference between trying to get laid and trying to get unearned recognition from the community with said false claim.

When you lie about something of such magnitude, you are giving yourself the power to influence people, join restricted organizations, be awarded jobs specified for vets, and even receive special perks in life such as game tickets. One could even get license plates for their car; enjoying the admiration of those around them as they drive

People have been disabled in combat and receive these medals. People have died and receive these medals. People risk their lives, not for the attainment of notoriety, to protect and serve our nation and its citizens — to preserve our country and its freedoms. How dare anyone twist our freedom for their own self-serving purposes. I’m sorry you didn’t bother to do enough interesting stuff in your own life, but that does not give you carte blanche to steal the glory of others.