While today has and should always be one of the most sacred days of remembrance in our country as we honor those who have lost their lives to defend, protect, and further the rights, liberties, and ideals of Americans – it certainly takes on a whole new meaning this year.
So much of what our veterans fought for (as well as those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom in countries around the world), we take for granted. Suddenly, we find ourselves torn between liberty and safety, privacy and public health, and individualism and society. It has cast renewed focus on what freedoms we value and what it takes to retain them.
I often write a message similar to this for Independence Day, but I find it incredibly fitting today. To put it in perspective, liberty has always been a life and death battle. Some choose to stand in guard of their fellow countrymen/women in order for them and future generations to be free.
I bring to you a simple and I hope very significant message in this Memorial Day Huddle. Countless people have died to give us the right, the liberty, and the choice to be, practice, live any way we want and see appropriate for ourselves – as long as it doesn’t infringe upon the rights of someone else.
As the saying goes, you and I being “FREE” was not, is not, will never be actually FREE. It comes at a very high cost – the lives of others and the sacrifices of so many.
We honor our veterans by living out our liberties, remembering their sacrifice, and holding true to their cause.
Today, we also add a new breed of soldier to the list. These soldiers don’t drive tanks or submarines, they don’t fire missiles or launch grenades. Instead, they don masks and gloves, they enter ERs and nursing homes. They are on the front lines fighting a new kind of battle.
Unfortunately, like every war that has preceded, there have been lives lost. And, like every soldier before them, we will not forget their sacrifice. Those doctors, nurses, first responders, healthcare providers, front line workers, and everyone who dared to enter in the fight – we thank you.
As we begin to re-open from an extended shutdown, it’s a reminder of what we cherish so much in our lives. Perhaps this was the grandest reminder and most poignant lesson of what centuries of soldiers knew all along – freedom requires heroes… a few that are willing to stand guard and endure the greatest risk so that liberties may be had by others.
In my humble opinion, to truly do justice by the men and women who have fought for our freedoms, defended our way of life, and put the needs of others ahead of their own, we must make the most of our liberties by taking responsibility for our lives, our decisions, and our missions.
You have a choice to honor all those with your active leadership, sincere care, and irreplaceable guidance for the health of your patients. You have the opportunity to change lives, create something extraordinary, and influence an entire community and beyond. What could be more in the spirit of this great country, than to deliver the health that improves people’s lives and emboldens their own pursuit of happiness.
Now is the time to rally your team, to share your passion, and to magnify your purpose for the betterment of your patients. You are going to do amazing things and in doing so you will be celebrating all this special Holiday stands for.
Today, we remember the ones that have given their lives to make what we all do possible. Now we must make the most of this responsibility and do justice by their sacrifice.
It’s exceptional, this thing called Freedom, and thanks to those we honor today, on this Memorial Day, we get to live it out every single day.
