> We may not think they are being put to a worthy disposition (I certainly don't) but that doesn't give us the right to override their property rights.
I disagree, and respectfully acknowledge your point.
The Victoria Cross should not be considered "property". No soldier can "buy" one or even "earn" one. It is awarded to *a* specific soldier for *a* specific act of Valor.
It has meaning in that context for as long as that soldier lives, and for as long as one of his descendents honors his/her Memory by wearing it on the right breast at ANZAC day or on other special occasions.
Once the medal has lost that family connexion, it should belong to the Crown as Taonga.
The Victoria Cross is not like a car, or a dog, or a beach bach: something that has a specific monetary value. Each one is Priceless. These medals should not be subject to the indignity of being "collected" by people who did not earn them.
Upham's VCs belong in our Nation's museum. The Government should feel free to seize them without compensation or regret, for the benefit of future generations.
The current custodians of this Taonga clearly do not value these Taonga with the respect they deserve.
For shame that matters have come to this.
Oh, and yes: I do believe in the sanctity of private property, and would die in its defense if need be. But, like I said, I do not believe that Honors such as the VC are "property" -- they are Honors.
I can sympathise with your feelings and agree that your idea re their not being 'Owned" is a good one. But while I believe that is a good idea, it is certainly not something that was mooted previously as policy so would have to commence henceforth letting all new medal holders understand it when they are given the medals that they are holding them only in trust.
Personally, I like the idea that the medals, on the death of the winner, are then passed onto another m,edal-winner rather than simply casting new ones so that they acquire great histories and traditions.
I don't feel we can apply this retrospectively.
On a minor note, the argument could easily be advanced that the medals should revert to the British government in this case given their provenance.