PTSD and The Purple Heart: The Final Word
Yes, it’s me again, plugging for the rights, benefits and care of our active duty and retired military and veterans, just as hard during the first eight days of the Obama administration as I did during the last eight years of the Bush administration—when I tried, in my own little way, to have them put teeth into their slogan “Support our Troops.”
Fortunately, this plaint will be very short.
Just wanted to share with you some words I came across recently.
The words were written by Elbert Hubbard, that superb philosopher, lecturer, critic, publisher, novelist, essayist, and biographer.
The man perhaps best known for writing, in 1895, that timeless essay, “Message to Garcia,” championing private enterprise, self-reliance, initiative as well as a soldier’s resourcefulness, loyalty and sense of mission.
It is thus probably very fitting to quote Hubbard in support of recognizing our troops suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder—if not with the Purple Heart, then with some equivalent and appropriate award.
It is fitting, because one of the reasons given to deny the award of the Purple Heart for PTSD injuries, and they are injuries, is that there are no visible scars.
But, it is most fitting because, should the powers-at-be here on earth in their finite wisdom decide not to recognize such sacrifice and injuries, there is someone with infinite wisdom who will.
In Hubbard’s words:
“God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas, but for scars”
And that certainly will be The Final Word on this issue.
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3 Responses to “PTSD and The Purple Heart: The Final Word”
Dorian i am thankful you write on the support of the troops, when so much is discounted and neglected for those suffering with the invisible scars, your words matter. . .Perhaps in these days trying to bring down the entrenched bureaucratize policies of the military and government that cannot see with heart, can leave one feeling like a tsetse fly on a rhino's rump.. . . But voices like yours is all those with the invisible bleeding wounds have to bring salve. . . May the teardrops they cannot cry continue to flow through your pen, until this is made right. . .
Thank you, river.
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