Point of clarification: the subject of Ron's original post refers to the wearing of medals for Veteran's Day/Memorial Day/Armed Forces day ceremonies, not just for "casual wear". In keeping with the customs of British Commonwealth forces, full-size "gongs" are worn on mufti for such affairs. Here is a photo, for example of members of the Cameronian Regiment at such a ceremony:

http://www.community-council.org.uk/...y%20parade.jpg

A photo of the late Ernest "Smokey" Smith VC, Seaforth Highlanders of Canada:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/113/2...f8122be75b.jpg

A photo of a New Zealand ex-serviceman on ANZAC Day:

http://www.army.mil.nz/nr/rdonlyres/...oh07027353.jpg

In Australia & New Zealand, the children and grandchildren of ex-service personnel are allowed to wear medals on the right side. I have seen video of the Brisbane ANZAC Day parade and there many kids marching in grandad's unit wearing his medals now -- quite a fitting tribte, INMHO:

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/image..._boy_ap416.jpg

Personally, I'm glad to see the US encouraging this custom.

Regards,

Todd