At My Purple Heart Ceremony, My Family Mocked Me

to focus on the flag instead of the pounding in my chest.

“Lieutenant Faith Mason.”

Applause rolled forward as I stepped into the aisle. Three of the men in my convoy never came home. I was walking for them.

Third row, center. “The Masons of Mount Pleasant,” posed like a Christmas card. My father in his navy blazer. My mother in pearls. My brother Bradley,continue reading …