I served a less than illustrious enlistment in the Navy. I was never wounded — or even came close to deserving anything other than the standard issue unit citation ribbons and good conduct medals.
Yes, I could have done a better job at serving my country but failed to do so. This has made me much more attentive these days to the military and those persons in it.
I support the elderly veterans who are residents in custodial care facilities at the local Dorn VA Hospital by providing personal and comfort items, playing cards, coloring books, and all kinds of media and arts supplies and I make it a point to attend parades and ceremonies in their honor.
I ensure sure my shipmate reunion association has extra fundage whenever possible for those times when they need to go that extra mile.
This is all because I have been left feeling that I could and should have done better on active duty. We don't always know how our actions, or lack thereof will affect us later. It is far better to do as good as you can up front — lest that conscience kick your butt later.
The Badge of Merit was an award given by George Washington back in 1782. It is meant to honor those wounded or killed in the line of duty. It's use diminished over time but was revived around 1932 as the Purple Heart and is that award we now know.
Today is Purple Heart Day.
It is a day for rememberance of those awarded the Purple Heart. This day was first observed in 2014 and is a time to reflect on the bravery of warriors for the United States who became wounded.