Sorry - but there are two kinds of medals: "been there" medals/ribbons that people are given for going someplace or serving successfully and the medals for sacrifice/heroism. The author of this bit suggests that they should all be lumped together and thrown over John Kerry's fence.
I served my country for 27 years and all of us recognized the difference between a Silver Star and the National Defense Service Medal. The men who wore the former distinguished themselves through risking their lives in combat and we all respected their achievements. The Purple Heart meant that the wearer bled for their country in combat and that too rates respect and always will.
Once you leave the service, your medals/ribbons end up in a closet for the kids to get after you die.
A little bit - yes. Guilty as charged.
I just felt incredibly bitter when I wrote it. The DSO ceremony was incredibly moving - as always. But the idea that a bit of ribbon can adequately thank one of the most amazing people I have had the pleasure to know just caught in my gears.
You get it. You stated that, explicitly. I will, both proudly and humbly, salute anyone who has a Silver Star (or equivalent) and hold it for hours if necessary. It’s just - it seems a bit weak sauce for the real heroes? “Congratulations, you did some amazing stuff. Here’s a nice bit of ribbon and here’s your pink slip. Good luck in finding a job.”
Just doesn’t seem right to me.