The E-Sylum:  Volume 10, Number 8, February 25, 2007, Article 10

SALE OF BLACK SOLDIER'S MEDAL CAUSES UPROAR

People who pushed for the Stolen Valor Act in the U.S. have another
view of the subject, which is shared by some Canadians, as shown in
this article:

"The surviving relatives of a Nova Scotia soldier whose First World
War medal is up for auction on eBay say the historic relic belongs
in a museum and shouldn't be sold off to the highest bidder.

"Percy Fenton, originally from Arcadia, N.S., was a member of the
No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canada's only black battalion in the
First World War.

"At the time, racism was so blatant within the military that when
the battalion was formed, Ontario's all-white No. 1 Construction
Battalion changed its name to avoid the association with black soldiers.

"The Black Cultural Centre in Dartmouth, which already has a Victory
Medal from the battalion, wants to display Percy Fenton's medal. But
curator Henry Bishop said the centre may not be able to afford it.

"Dave Thomson, an Ontario man who has helped purchase and return more
than 30 medals listed on eBay, is helping the Black Cultural Centre
with the bidding.

"Thomson, who also helped return an Order of Canada medal listed on
eBay last month to Rideau Hall, said responsible collectors often
agree to sell medals to family members or museums if asked.

"It's not illegal to buy or sell Canadian medals. However, the Defence
Department forbids members of the Canadian Forces from selling medals
while they are serving.

"Peter Stoffer, the NDP Veterans Affairs critic, said that needs to
change.

"To profit for somebody else's valour, I think is incorrect," said
Stoffer, who introduced a private member's bill last year that
would restrict the sale of medals.

To read the complete article, see: Full Story

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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