Section 43A. No person, except a veteran, as defined by section one of chapter thirty-one, who is a candidate for nomination or election to any public office shall use the word ''veteran'' as applied to himself, in any circular, poster, card, handbill, placard, picture or other printed matter unless the word ''veteran'' is accompanied by other words indicating the country for which he served. Any violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars.