Honesty, fairness, or integrity in one’s beliefs and actions. Webster. That does a very nice job of describing something missing in the world today. To be certain, some people still practice this action without thought. It is their life’s goal to maintain honor even in the worst of times facing the most terrible circumstances. Bravo. You are the true leaders. Unfortunately most of these millions remain silent and out of sight.

There is purpose in remaining unseen and doing your life’s work quietly. It is easier to remain honorable when the temptations of a corrupt society do not dissuade you from your path. To many, staying hidden to avoid the temptations of the world is a cop-out. You don’t honestly test your mettle unless the fire is turned up. This is where real honor is seen. No medal needed.

Many choose the firing line. There are politicians who care and respect themselves enough to respect others. The same can be said of teachers, social workers, nurses and a myriad of other professions where the man or woman of honor faces the public daily. It’s almost impossible to maintain under that kind of pressure. Many break.

In the past few decades the military of the United States has lost considerable honor. No need to repeat the situations. It’s public knowledge. Many humans tend to believe that if a person of a particular gender, race, religious practice or political viewpoint drops from honor then the rest of the world’s population of humans who are in like situations must also be bad. It’s called prejudice: an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason. Hmmm. Think that over next time you bad mouth an entire branch of the military. Are there bad seeds in the military? You bet there are, from private to general, they exist. They also exist four blocks away from you in that little green house with the nice flower garden. The ones who don’t hide behind the garden and place their necks on the line, still maintaining honor are the real champions. No medals needed.