NOTE: This message was distributed to all Ballad Health team members on Sunday, May 24.
Dear Colleague:
Over the past few months, America has witnessed the heroism of our nurses, doctors and all who are caring for and supporting our nation through this pandemic.
You know, I am reminded that heroes come in so many forms, and emerge through trying times.
As we celebrate Memorial Day this weekend, in the midst of such times, we are reminded of the sacrifice and difficulties so many brave people weathered in service to our great nation.
Tomorrow, Monday, is the day we dedicate specifically to those who gave their lives in military service to our nation.
Throughout our nation’s history, millions of American military heroes – including some of our own team members – have sacrificed their lives, or have lost loved ones, in the protection of our beloved homeland, leading to the security of our country’s freedoms and values.
We can never repay that sacrifice, but to show our appreciation, our country designated Memorial Day on the last Monday of May to pay our respects and honor the men and women who died helping make our country the greatest in the world.
Originally known as Decoration Day, the holiday originated during the years following the Civil War, as communities would hold springtime tributes to their fallen soldiers and decorate their graves with flowers while reciting prayers. This happened throughout our country, until Memorial Day officially became a federal holiday in 1971.
Throughout the years, Memorial Day has evolved to commemorate American military personnel who have lost their lives in service. Whether in combat or in any action in the service of our nation.
The freedoms and liberties we enjoy, and which we likely take for granted most days, were built on the backs of extraordinary men and women who risked everything, in grueling and uncomfortable situations, often alone, and in faraway places, for the country and values they believed in – the greatest nation in the history of our sacred planet – the United State of America.
Their sacrifice signifies the greatness of our beloved United States of America. The very idea of our nation – that our liberty is derived from an ever-loving God and not from government – is an idea that is absolutely worth fighting for. Certainly, we have our political discourse, but that is part of the greatness of our American experiment. That our men and women would willingly and voluntarily die to protect our right to enjoy these liberties is something very special. It is up to us to honor this sacrifice, and also to remember that these liberties do not come for free. There is a cost, and that cost is paid with the blood of our soldiers, the tears of their children and loved ones, and communities that are forever changed.
And we extend this gratitude to those who did not perish, but have served, and now are home. Many continue to struggle with the impact of their service, and so many are among us – each of whom deserves our thanks and our affection.
The COVID-19 pandemic affords us the opportunity to celebrate Memorial Day in different ways, hopefully prioritizing the safety of the people we care about. Bringing flowers to a veteran cemetery or memorial, or enjoying a small family picnic – whatever you choose to do, please be safe, and say a prayer for those who never got to meet their children, never got to marry, never again had the chance to see a parade or a new year’s celebration, and lost so many life experiences that they had every right to enjoy.
I hope you will spend at least a moment in reflection of what their sacrifice means to you and the people you care about. Again, none of what we enjoy is free. It came with a cost. Remember and grieve for those who died, and express gratitude to the people you know who lost someone in the military.
Because this is a federal holiday, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also thank all the team members working on this Memorial Day, serving our patients and their families. Your commitment to providing high-quality care day in and day out is greatly appreciated.
The sacrifice of our military affords us the opportunity to make our beloved and sacred nation a better place. Let’s not squander this chance!!!
God Bless,
Alan
