Decorations

A recent Sports Illustrated article featured a “decorated police officer” who investigated a fraudulent Super Bowl gambling scam. This shortcut adjective “decorated” validates military personnel and others as reputable by alluding to their dress uniform medals and patches. But those who receive top honors like the Silver Star, an Oscar, a Pulitzer, or a Nobel Prize usually get those specific achievements spelled out almost like a middle name. So “decorated officer” or “award winning actor” descriptions tend to damn an individual with faint praise. I was a First Class Boy Scout, three ranks and a zillion merit badges below Eagle but my old uniform (now owned by my twelve year old granddaughter) is full of pins and patches I accumulated. So I guess I am a decorated Scout. Finishers of running races routinely get participation medals draped over them at the finish line. I have staggered up to presenters who must have wondered why this guy an hour or two behind the winner was getting a medal. But I qualify as a decorated runner. I wish I had grasped this concept earlier. My resume would have described me as a decorated Administrative Coordinator, although that job title was already embarrassing enough on its own. But I still have my 5 Year Pin and United Way Leadership Giving pin that I wear on formal occasions.