A medal of thanks for the NHS ranks

Pin a medal on their chest, for gallantry in the field, For being on the front-line, and yet refusing to yield. Pin a medal on their chest, those heroes one and all, Were they not in the trenches, this nation would surely fall. Pin a medal on their chest, for their refusal to flee When they’re fighting an enemy they can’t even see. Pin a medal on their chest, for their duty of care, Though the enemy awaits in every droplet of air. Pin a medal on their chest, for their self-sacrifice, We asked them but once, they never thought twice. Pin a medal on their chest, made of the purest gold, So in the future their story to the young may be told. Should a child one day find that gold medal in a drawer And ask: ‘Grandma and Grandad, did you fight in the war?’ They’ll say: ‘Yes, my child, but not nation against nation. We both fought in the great war against viral mutation.’ The child may then ask: ‘But weren’t you afraid?’ ‘Of course, but it was a sacrifice that had to be made.’ Without their selfless devotion, to the sick and forlorn, It’s possible that child may never have been born. So pin a medal on their chest, for none deserve it more Than all those NHS staff who are fighting in this war. Pin a medal on their chest, for courage and compassion, And the quality of mercy they’re refusing to ration. Pin a medal on their chest, for the risks they are taking To save lives when their own they could be forsaking. This nation salutes you in its hour of greatest need, Heroes are born, not made, so you are heroes indeed. One day that gold medal should sit proud upon each chest, But governments forget, with selective memories blessed. But we can give you a medal, so let the ceremony start, It’s our invisible medal and it’s in the shape of a heart. It was forged by us all, blessed by the good lord above, It’s our medal made of gratitude, admiration . . . and love.