Meaning of a Metal Disc

When I got it I wore it only once on a special day That time seemed good to display, showing understanding, respect, solidarity But I confess I don’t really know what it means to me, no pride Over years I have thought of this metal disc, what it defines What it recognises of me, what it says about me Often I feel it embellishes, makes much of nothing Seems it has more significance to others, not me Does it make me feel better about myself, about who I was or what I did? No It represents something else, more a keepsake, a reminder of all those there A silent notation, a memory, a footnote now history I am shy about this, not quick to be proud of it More regretful I think, this disc commemorates loss of others, lives If I did not have this disc given from those who deem me worthy My actions would have been null and void, the grounds for this, absent And my friends perhaps would be here today, and not just symbolised In this metal disc Feb 2022