Here we are in the afterglow of another Memorial Day. The flags and the bunting are being put away. The memories endure for another year of our honored dead, of the brave wounded, of the veterans - some grizzled, some still youthful - all deserving their country's gratitude. Then there are the imposters, who often from zilch have created military honors, whole careers, records of heroism and splendid triumphs. What wretches.
Navy SEAL wannabes lie to get free beers, to get women into bed, to further their civilian careers or to get military benefits. And the number of phonies will probably only grow with the SEALs in the spotlight for the May 1 operation that killed Osama bin Laden.
A best-selling historian was suspended for a year from his college teaching position for bragging to his students of his Vietnam War feats, and, oh yes, he claimed exploits on the football field, too.
Mr. Shipley has denied the masses another hero.
