Purple Heart Day 2021
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I didn't shirk my duties but my attitude was far less than it could have and should have been.
This is a function of social unawareness and a lack of grasping the big picture.
When you are an impetuous young person you think you'll live forever and that none of your harsh treatment of others will ever come back to haunt you.
Unfortunately, my bad deeds and lack of enthusiasm not only came back to revisit me, but got me good.
August 7 is Purple Heart Day and is about our war wounded and war dead. Those killed or wounded in war have served with distinction while representing their country in wartime.
All gave some. Some gave all.Military and veteran organizations are at the forefront of honoring these heroes. I was never a war hero.
Other entities also recognize and honor those who have received the Purple Heart.
All I can do is buy creature comforts for the veterans like shaving cream and cards and entertainment publications, crayons, and such for delivery to the wards at the Dorn VA hospital.
It affords me some feeling of coming to terms with what should have been a better enlistment on my part. When I recognize deficiencies in myself I always try to do better.
Honor is what the military decoration is all about. My attitude for veterans is far different than it once was.
This is because I've been immersed in what a lot of it was all about and had the opportunity to consider who I was in that process.
Sometimes we find ourselves lacking and must deal with it in the name of our own peace of mind.
Respect.