National Guard Coins
On the evening of September 10, 2006, four teenagers from the Commonweath Challenge Academy led more than 15,000 walkers in a memorial walk to remember the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks. The walk was from the Washington Monument to the Pentagon. During the walk other cadets formed an honorary guard around those families who were the most affected by the attacks. It was an evening fraught with emotion. The conclusion was a concert and a 184 light display for every person who died there on September 11, 2001.
Marine General Peter Pace presented a coin to each of the four teenagers who led the walk. This is the essence of what the National Guard coin is all about. The Commonwealth Challenge Academy’s Virginia Youth Challenge Program is one of 30 National Guard youth programs.
For these teenagers this is the beginning of learning what it means to be part of something much bigger. For many this is the turning point in their lives when they realize the importance of freedom and what it means to them individually.
The Coin is a Symbol
The National Guard coin is a status symbol for these men and women. Not only status but shown appreciation for their service for standing for freedom. The coins are a morale booster as well because they tell the recipient that they are indeed a part of something that is extremely important. Being presented one of these coins by their commander is a special event for the National guardsman.
This tradition is credited with starting in World War I, in the flying squadron when a wealthy lieutenant had coins made of solid bronze. They were embellished with his squadron emblem and given to all the members in his unit. After the coin was used for saving one pilot’s life when he was mistaken for the enemy, the coins began to be carried all the time.
It is hard to understand the proud heritage that these coins carry and the privilege one feels when bestowed one of these coins unless you have experienced this. The brotherhood that binds our soldiers in times of war in faraway lands is expressed in this symbol of their dedication.
The coins are typically made of some type of metal. They have the unit badge in which the receiver is serving. They may say the name of the branch of the military also engraved on them. Sometimes a saying in line with the branch of the military being served in is also engraved on the coin.
Honoring Those Who Serve
When you think of the heritage the coins have represented all over the world, the end result is the same. The receiver will feel as though what he does is being recognized. They will not let the coin out of their site unless it is in his pocket. This is one of the most honorable gifts.
If you have a husband, father or brother who has receive one of these coins, you should be very proud. The recipient is someone who deserves the attention and recognition.
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