A Veteran's Day find

First I made the usual joke, “at the VA, we honor the Vets by taking the day off.” So, I took the long weekend home in Maine with my family.  I was up in Malindi’s old room sorting through drawers of old photos and memorabilia looking for a special kindergarten document. By accident, I came across old baby rattles, some kid’s first lost tooth and first haircut hair….And then a little box labeled BRONZE STAR.  Inside, I rediscovered my Dad’s Army medals. There were three metal bars with colored little stripes and a couple other pins.  I thought it very fortuitous that I should find them on Veterans’ Day weekend.  The boys were polite to sit with Judd and me as we searched the Internet for the meaning of the little ribbons. 

Some for National Defense Service Medal /Korean Service medal/United Nations Korean Service medal; his first sergeant patch; a rifle for infantry.

Bronze Star (with oak leaf cluster for a second award of the same) Critieria: Any person whom while serving in any way in or with the United States military after 6 December 1941, that distinguished himself or herself apart from his or her comrades by brave or praiseworthy achievement or service, that did not include participation in aerial flight. The act justifying award of the medal must be performed while fighting an enemy of the United States, or while involved in conflict with an opposing/foreign force. It can also be awarded for heroism while serving with friendly forces engaged in combat against an opposing military in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

It was a little disturbing—the boys noted that on the website you can apparently buy various badges for .98 to $1.49 each.