I've spent a good chunk of my summer at the Edward Hines Jr. Veterans hospital, being a volunteer research assistant and sitting in on a couple open heart surgeries. At the main entrance to the hospital a placque is mounted on the wall. It's probably 6 inches by 20 inches, with a modest navy background. In the foreground there is the veterans eagle, with the text "Edward Hines Jr. Hospital: The Price of Freedom is Visible Here." I suppose it only makes sense, considering only veterans may use this hospital's facilities, but at the same time, is this a message we want posted in a center for healing? I'm looking extremely far into it, but in a way this categorizes the patients at this facility as a down-payment for freedom. "These are the casualties necessary to live your democratic life." the sign said to me as I walked past. But at the same time, perhaps it is more of an affirmation. To the veterans it says "You have been injured, but your pain is not in vain. It is for our freedom. Let us heal you as thanks."
