A former U.S. marine took it upon himself to guard the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Friday, reports Huffington Post.

Fox Sinke, who has dual citizenship, could be seen marching around the monument dressed in his military uniform decorated with medals bearing testament to his success as a U.S. Marine. Among his medals, five Purple Hearts--a U.S. medal awarded to soldiers for wounds suffered in combat.

Sinke told the press he was standing guard for 'comrade in arms' Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, the reservist from Hamilton, Ontario who was killed by a gunman last month while guarding the memorial.

"There are those of us who understand what's happening and we're not gonna lie down for it," Sinke told Global News. "Not gonna happen. That's basically why I'm here. I'm just here to make my own little personal damn statement.

"That's how I see it. So I'm paying tribute to him, as best I can. We are not intimidated. Take your best shot."

The website Guards of Valor, who is a watchdog group monitoring those who falsely "claim Military service and/or claim unauthorized medals or tabs" has confirmed through military records that Sinke is legitimate:

"We can tell you that not only did this man serve as a Marine, he was a highly decorated Marine! He is taking a stand for what he believes is right, and yes he has five Purple Hearts. This man is a true American and Canadian Hero, we salute you Sir and the stand you are taking!!!"

Sinke served in the U.S. Marine Corps from March 1966 through March 1968 as Enlisted, and then served March 1968 through March 1986 as an Officer.

He authored several books about his experiences during the Vietnam War.

According to Strategic Book Group, the publisher of his book "When None of Their Dreams Were Dead," Sinke earned the Purple Hearts during combat in Vietnam from 1966 to 1971.

According to his biography on the publisher's website, Sinke is married with three children and owns and operates a horse ranch in Ontario, Canada.