“So, Dad, what did you do in the war?” my  son asked.

I answered, “I was never in a war.”

“But I thought you were in the Marine Corps,” he responded, “and I know I’ve heard you talk about being in combat.”

“Well, there’s difference,” I explained, “I was never in a war that was declared by Congress though I was involved in the so-called ‘War on Drugs,’ and that’s where I saw fighting.”

“Oh,” he returned, asking, “Did you ever get a medal for anything you did in the Marines?”

I smiled, “Nope, no medals.”

“That isn’t fair,” he declared.

“Why?” I found myself asking.

“You participated in battle and could have died,” he continued, “so you should get some sort of recognition.”

“First off, I didn’t do it to get medals, ribbons or certificates – though those things are nice,” it told him, “I did it because I’m a Marine and that’s what we do.”