In order to take back the only thanks our country gave them, we will have to exhume their bodies and reissue them some new, more stylish and sexy, form of thanks. Just don't try thanking them with honor and tradition. Style too has its price it seems. It came to represent excellence because I had to excel to wear it. Pride has to be earned.
Excellence has to be constantly achieved.
The distinctions and honors of being among the best can only mean something to those who wear those distinctions if they were made to earn it and if they were a contributor to the achievements. By giving everyone in the Army a symbol of excellence, without first requiring them to earn it, you have done nothing to improve the achievements of the Army, but you have diminished the pride, honor, and distinction of some of those who have. The Rangers have very explicit standards. They are there to be achieved by any combat arms soldier who wishes to try. And if they achieve great things, even while not serving as a Ranger, then there are many other avenues available to you.