Military Awards

When I went into the army, it was not out of a desire for military medals. Although everyone likes to be recognized, what I really wanted was to serve my country and to get some training for a career after the army. Serving the American military was a great way for me to get some education and also make money for a few years. I didn't anticipate going to war, and I certainly did not anticipate seeing combat. I don't know if I would have gone if I had, but I suppose it was a valuable experience in the end.

One of the things that really made it worth it was the military awards that I got. Most of the people I know who are really into military ribbons are actually civilians who never had the chance to earn one. When you are actually in the army, it is different. You don't receive a military award with exuberance and you don't wear it with showy, flashy pride. Instead, you treat military awards with a quiet respect. They can give you a moment to really reflect on what you have done in the service for your country and what you have learned about the price we all pay for our loyalty.

The funny thing is, until I came back with some military ribbons, I hadn't really thought about it all that much. It was just something I sort of had to resign myself to. I've heard it said that this isn't uncommon in war. A lot of people, overwhelmed by the sheer prospect of having to fight to survive, simply take everything as it comes. I did not think very deeply about it because it is something that is hard to look at too closely.

Of course military awards aren't the only moments that make you really feel quiet pride about your accomplishments. Some people are really moved by military parades, and others by public recognition ceremonies. For most people, however, the homecoming is the most important thing. Seeing your family fills you with the joy that is way beyond all the military awards the army could ever convey. No matter how much recognition you get, how much pride you feel about your service, or how much honor you receive from your superiors, a soldier's greatest joy is coming home. That is the one thing that makes the whole experience of war worth it.