Patricia McClamrock, age 13, of Mocksville, N.C., for her question:
What does the Purple Heart represent?
Many people perform special services for the good of their country. Some are gifted persons, but most of them are just ordinary folk. The United States has several medals and decorations to bestow on such proven patriots. The oldest of these awards and perhaps the most American is the Purple Heart.
In 1782, a great general awarded a badge of military merit to three outstanding soldiers of his heroic army. His young country was not rich, and the heart shaped medals were cut from purple silk. The general was George Washington, and the Purple Heart medal was not awarded again until 1932. It is now awarded to any member of the United States armed services who has been wounded or killed by the enemy in combat.
Every United States medal or decoration represents a tribute of thanks from our government and from all Americans. The person who receives the proud token has demonstrated devotion to his or her country and a willingness to act for its good. These awards recall such noble words as patriotism and courage, duty and sacrifice. However, not all of them are for members of the armed services, and there is even one for children.
Many of us are baffled by demonstrations from people who claim to have strong opinions about peace. Every sang person wants peace, and certainly no soldier wants to fight in a war. World peace has been one of man's highest ideals for centuries, but practical peace makers know that we do not live in an ideal world where such perfect peace is possible.
True peace makers work to answer the deep human hurts and hungers that lead to the fears and angers that often erupt in violence and warfare. They strive for understanding, for give and take between nations. They also face the facts of the times in which we live. If trouble strikes, they are ready to help win a war, and afterward they try again to make another war less likely to happen. These practical peace makers are too busy to shout and parade, but many of them are quietly proud to have merited their country's Purple Heart award.