Medallions for next-of-Kin permitted

VFW Magazine, Sept, 2004

In a scene that could only occur in today's politically correct society, the U.S. Army in June told Bob Parker that it would no longer help him distribute his complimentary medallions to the families of those killed in war. Parker's non-profit group, Fallen Friend, has given 2,000 medallions since 1995.

The Army claimed that the biblical reference would be "offensive" to families. That reference is to John 15:13: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." The actual verse is not inscribed on the medallion. In early July, the Army changed its mind, saying the reference would not be offensive and stated it was "sincerely sorry for any inconvenience our earlier decision made on you and your organization."