The main issue is that the person is not free to do what they want with their decoration or medal. In a way, we are telling them not to do it because we want to conserve heritage. If we give a medal, we should not go back on it. We can't say that we are giving it and we are not giving it. If we give it, the person who receives it can do what they want with it.
If you want to protect heritage, there should be something more concrete somewhere. For example, a letter could be sent that determines the fair market value of the decoration. At present, minimal amounts are given. For the Victoria Cross, I have heard the value is $250,000 or $270,000. I'm not sure the government or museums have that kind of money to buy those medals. Museum representatives have testified before the committee. They will not buy all the Victoria Crosses that have been issued, to conserve our heritage; it would be a little too expensive.
So what can we do to keep them here, in your opinion?