It's a physical remnant from a terrible fortnight thirteen years ago. The card that came with it said,
"Awarded to an individual serving in any capacity within the DOT, Merchant Marines or other civilians, for an act or service that contributed to recovery from the attacks of September 11 2001, force protection following the attacks, or efforts that directly contributed to the increased infrastructure security effort between September 11, 2001 and September 11, 2002."
There was no ceremony for its awarding, which is fitting as I wouldn't have attended, anyway. I was a part of too many "ceremonies" associated with this date to desire to attend another. Too many funerals, too many "freedom isn't free"- themed speeches, too many sentimentally intoned prayers/sermons by clergy.
It was earned, I suppose, for facilitating the proper Christian treatment of the dead and for the compassion we offered through counsel to their friends and families. It's in a drawer, where I have also put those memories. The dead are in hands far more compassionate and peaceful. We, the living, have the present with which to deal, and some very real responsibilities to our community and our churches to build.