Imagine This Color

Imagine the color of sky and sea/An invitation to discover the wonders denied Icarus/ By way of silver wings/ Or to ride the ceaseless motion above and below/ On endless waves or silent depths known by leviathans.

Imagine the color symbolic of bravery/ of commitment to an oath/ Calling for loyalty among peers/ Dependable and trustworthy to the call of duty/ Having wisdom in both thought and action.

Imagine the color BLUE.

Imagine the color of remembrance/ Of first love in a rose/ Of sacrifice in a field of poppies/ The first to capture a newborn’s sight/ Lingers as the last visible rays of sunset.

Imagine the color of winning/ That recognizes danger and responds/ With intensity and confidence/ Both passion and restraint when challenged/ Energetically strides to meet it.

Imagine the color RED.

Imagine a fusion of color/ A blend symbolic of wealth and royalty/ A whimsical tinge of fairies and florals/ Mingling calm blue and fierce red.

Imagine a new creation of color/ That speaks to souls in mourning/ A recognition of others in pain/ A symbol for each unique journey/ that is traveled by orphans of war.

Imagine a color of bravery/ Of commitment to peace but willing to fight/ A symbol of solemn distinction/ Of courage, honor and earned through sacrifice.

Imagine a color of utmost respect/ Respect for the injured, the wounded/ Respect for those grieving the lost /symbolizing both survival and sadness.

Imagine a color/ with roots as old as our country/ first a mere scrap of cloth trimmed in silver/ Then forgotten for 200 years/ Now molded, shaped and set in gold . . . a new symbol.

That symbol becomes the PURPLE HEART.

I am an inheritor of this award, a war orphan, a witness that "not all wounds are visible and no loss affects just one individual."

The Purple Heart is an esteemed military award, originally called Award of Military Merit, and was conceived George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Largely forgotten until 1932, it is the only military medal that does not require commendation but is awarded for a particular criteria: injury from combat, terrorism or friendly-fire OR the ultimate sacrifice of being killed in action. The Purple Heart is gratefully presented with the utmost respect for the recipient or, posthumously, for the recipient’s family. National Purple Heart Day is August 7th.