[Dolphy]

Those were good examples, as I said, I didn't know about the evolution in language. I am just rejoining this so I will have to catch up and see if the retroactive application of these changes is common.

Maybe I'm splitting hairs but Kerry's protest defenders consider his actions to have been brave, bold and devoted. I still think he would have a vested interest in having that extended to his military service, making his protest an extension of his character rather than the true color.

[Cboldt]

Those were good examples, as I said, I didn't know about the evolution in language.

Other posters have direct, hands-on experience with crafting original citation letters. They assert that this change was deliberate, and meaningful.

I am just rejoining this so I will have to catch up and see if the retroactive application of these changes is common.

Nobody thinks this is common. I chalked it up to bureuarcratic numbness, but people with experience in crafting award language are credibly explianing that NONE of this happens by accident, or by inertia, or by boilerplate.

Maybe I'm splitting hairs but Kerry's protest defenders consider his actions to have been brave, bold and devoted.

As Schachte says, anybody who went out on a skimmer was brave. But (my words) that doesn't make him honest or honorable.