The shield.
It stands for protection.
It means so much more.
Truth, justice, honor, forthrightness, service, sacrifice, and compassion.
People think I don't deserve to wear this symbol. Some of those people are the ones that are actually the least deserving of it. Most of them don't really understand it's meaning at all.
To most people they're just words, spoken to give the impression of an upstanding person. A truly upstanding heart has no need for the words, & simply fulfills them in their actions.
I have given everything, for the privilege of carrying the shield and it's light.