Michigan Democrat Curtis Hertel, running for Congress, faced criticism for wearing an Army-issued jacket at a Veterans Day event despite not serving in the military.
28 veterans accused him of “stolen valor” and called for a public apology, stating that wearing such attire gives the false impression of military service.
Hertel defended himself, saying the jacket was a gift from his brother-in-law, an army major. (Trending: Judge Announces Historic Ruling In Jeffrey Epstein Case)
“We, the undersigned veterans of U.S. military service, write to you today to express our deep concern over your conscious decision to wear an official U.S. Army-issued uniform while speaking at a Veterans Day event last month in Lansing, despite not having served in the Army or any other branch of the U.S. military,” a letter from 28 veterans letter read.
The veterans pushed Hertel to “publicly apologize to all American veterans, in Michigan and elsewhere, and pledge not to repeat the offense.”
“As you must be aware, wearing official military-issue attire, especially at a ceremony honoring those who have served, leaves the clear and unmistakable impression that you personally served in uniform,” the letter added.
“As a public servant who has frequently professed to support veterans and veterans’ issues, you must also know that this brand of ‘stolen valor’ is frowned upon.”
“You will note that at the top of this letter, we referred to you as Senator, a title you earned by winning election to that office, even if you no longer serve in that capacity,” the veterans said.
“We ask that you reciprocate, return the favor to veterans, and refrain from wearing a military uniform you did not earn through sweat and blood,” they added.
“We hope you grasp why we were disturbed, agree with our reasoning on this matter, and follow through with the requested apology.”
“My brother-in-law, an army major who is about to retire, gave me that jacket as a Christmas present. I wore it on Veterans Day to honor him and the other members of my family who served,” Hertel said.
Despite support from a veteran speaker at the event, the controversy continues as Army regulations deem the attire unsuitable for such ceremonies.
“Curtis has always been a relentless advocate for veterans. It is ridiculous that he is getting attacked for supporting his family and other members of the military on Veterans Day,” veteran Jack Devine said.
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