Who Earns a Military Medal?
To some people, a piece of medal tied to a ribbon may not mean much more than exactly that. But to millions of Americans who are serving or have served our country in combat, military medals mean so much more.
Military medals, as well as military ribbons, are a symbol that stands for something greater than the norm. They represent heroism, honor and chivalry. They represent courage, conviction and bravery. They are awarded to people who go above and beyond the call of duty without being asked to do so.
It is forbidden to wear the honors with any old outfit. Instead, the medals are specifically designed to be worn with military uniforms. Sometimes these medals are referred to as military decorations.
Since the beginnings of battle, outstanding soldiers and military personnel have been awarded for their bravery and dedication with a symbol of some sort. Some wore special robes, others got tattoos and, of course, others were adorned with big jeweled necklaces, often with a medal hanging from the bottom.
Not just anybody in any situation merits an honor like this. Military personnel go through lengthy proceedings to see who will be deemed worthy of a medal. When all is said and done, they are looking for a genuine hero.
The term ‘her’ or ‘heroine’ originally came from Greek mythology. In fact, such figures as Heracles, Perseus and Achilles were members of what were then called ‘hero cults’. These cults were very significant in ancient Greek religion.
In the face of adversity, danger or weakness, a hero will display an impressive amount of courage and a will of self sacrifice for the greater good. They are willing to put themselves in harm’s way.
To this day, the term ‘hero’ is an everyday word used to refer to those who hold themselves to a higher standard without conscience thought. Just as the ancient Greeks did, we in modern times value our hero’s and recognize their outstanding selflessness and superior moral qualities.
To really appreciate the meaning of military medals you must walk in the shoes of a soldier. This writer will give you a better insight into the significance and honor behind military ribbons and medals.
