The Purple Heart is bestowed upon U.S. military men and women who served and showed unparalleled loyalty to the country in war. It was the very first military decoration and was initially awarded to three men who had important roles during the American Revolutionary War. Much more recently, the U.S. government gives the Purple Heart to soldiers who have either been wounded or killed while serving the country.
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| Image source: tohonorourfallen.com |
Today, the Purple Heart could come to symbolize the pain and suffering soldiers endure during wartime. Many of these soldiers return from war with physical and mental scars. Many develop post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. The Purple Heart signifies the appreciation of the country for their effort and sacrifice.
However, there is a debate on whether soldiers who’ve returned with PTSD should be awarded the Purple Heart. The argument is that the award itself may be a trigger for all the pain, anger, despair, worry, and all the other negative emotions brought about by war. And this trigger may later lead to worse actions such as violent outbursts toward people in the immediate vicinity or even self-harm.
Trigger or not, the intention behind the creation and existence of the Purple Heart is noble, to say the least. And if it does symbolize pain and suffering for veterans with PTSD, a citation would be enough.
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| Image source: history.com |
Dr. Tom Maibenco is a family physician, an active community member, and a supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project. He is also an animal lover and advocate. For similar reads, visit this blog.
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