Peggy Sellers says selling Gold Stars is a slap in the face in the memory of her brother, and so many who have given their lives in service. The Gold Stars are given to families of soldiers killed in war.
Sellers told ABC11 she wears hers with pride, and was shocked when she saw some for sale online.
"He was my hero," said Sellers, whose big brother, Richard Sellers Jr. died while serving in the U.S Army during the Vietnam War.
When Richard died, Sellers said her family received Gold Stars.
"They passed them out to each of us," she said.
She wears hers on her shirt, but lately she's been seeing stars pop up for sale online.
"To me, it's disrespecting the families and the soldiers," said Sellers. "There are numerous companies, but they're selling them on eBay. There's something wrong with that picture."
ABC11 found one for sale for $23.74.
Sellers believes military stars and medals have no place on auction sites, or even being sold to begin with.
"There's a federal regulation that says you can't manufacture or sell or give them away," said Sellers.
She's right. A call to Washington yielded Title 18 of the U.S. Code explains that, among many things, selling military medals or decorations can result in a fine, and even a jail term of six months.
So far, no one could tell ABC11 how much the policy is actually enforced. However, it's something Sellers said should be a top priority for her family, and so many others holding on to the symbols of their fallen soldiers.
If someone buys a military star or medal, and then pretends to have earned them, that is definitely against the law.
