William H.A. Willbond MSM, CD

CANADIAN “PURPLE HEART” DEBATE

Should we stand together or stand apart?
Do we really need a copy of a purple heart
Or in its place, a blood red maple leaf
For loss of limbs and lifelong grief?

Major Henwood, he lost both legs;
Now he walks on Mechanical Pegs.
Perhaps we should ask him what he think
Before we raise too much of a stink!

Just a thought about what we’ve got!
Replace the wound stripe… or perhaps not?
I have a shell shocked friend who lost his mind;
Would a ring and a medal to him be unkind?

Author’s Note: A comment on the proposal and debate regarding the striking a “Wounded in Action” medal for the Canadian Armed Forces