http://www.myfoxphilly.com/story/23551032/fox-29-military-salute-camden-veteran
I don't know why it is but so many, indeed every one I have ever seen, of the highly decorated surviving veterans of conflict seem so unimpressed by what they have done. Perhaps it is that what they have seen and experienced has taught them that the things that are important cannot be represented by metal and ribbons, that it is their memories of their friends and comrades who did not survive their battles that are the things of value.
I make no pretence, every time I see an interview with such people, my throat thickens and my eyes sting with the sympathy I hold for the emotions and recollections they live with every day. I do not envy them or begrudge them any reward or glory they may be shown, especially when, no matter how much they earned it all, they choose to reflect it onto their brothers in arms.
I don't know why it is but so many, indeed every one I have ever seen, of the highly decorated surviving veterans of conflict seem so unimpressed by what they have done. Perhaps it is that what they have seen and experienced has taught them that the things that are important cannot be represented by metal and ribbons, that it is their memories of their friends and comrades who did not survive their battles that are the things of value.
I make no pretence, every time I see an interview with such people, my throat thickens and my eyes sting with the sympathy I hold for the emotions and recollections they live with every day. I do not envy them or begrudge them any reward or glory they may be shown, especially when, no matter how much they earned it all, they choose to reflect it onto their brothers in arms.
