The value of any award is the value of the giver, which is why decorations bring little respect in the U.S. Armed Forces today.
“My task is to carry secret burdens for the world. People watch curiously. Yesterday morning at sunrise for example, you could have seen me on the breakwall carrying gauze. I also carry untimely ideas and sins in general or any faulty action that has been lowered together with you into this hour. Trust me. The trotting animal can restore red hearts to red.”
Anne Carson | “Short Talk on My Task”