Two dozen veterans received the Medal of Honor from President Obama on March 19. Obama awarded the medals, signifying “gallantry above and beyond the call of duty” according to CNN, years after they were due. Each veteran should have been recognized for courageous acts in Vietnam, Korea, or World War II, “but they were born and fought in a time when such deeds were not always fairly acknowledged,” CNN continued.
Belated Award Ceremony for Minority Vets
Three of honored veterans were alive to accept their rewards. The other 21 died long ago, and 10 of them never made it home from war, CNN reported. The source adds, “In 2002 Congress — as part of the Defense Authorization Act — set up a review of Jewish and Hispanic veterans who had served in combat since the middle of the century ‘to ensure those deserving the Medal of Honor were not denied because of prejudice.'” Later, legislators expanded the bill to review all possible discrimination cases — for veterans of any race. Veteran Melvin Morris, who suffered several gunshot wounds and continued fighting, and the late Leonard Kravitz, Lenny’s Kravitz namesake and uncle, were among the ceremony’s honorees.
“We confront our imperfections and face a sometimes painful past, including the truth that some of these soldiers fought and died for a country that did not always see them as equal,” Obama said during the ceremony.
Vets, What To Do If You’re Wronged
Today’s vets do not have to stand for discrimination. Veterans lawyers often offer legal advice and other legal services at discounted rates. Whether you are a victim of discrimination, military sexual trauma, or post traumatic stress disorder, veteran attorneys will help you explore all options — and get the funding and/or respect you deserve.
President Obama awarded 24 veterans the Medal of Honor to somewhat rectify years’ worth of discrimination. Politicians and lawmakers do admit to mistakes. Talk to veterans lawyers if you believe that you have been wronged by the military or government. Read more.
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