President's Veteran Day Message - 2019

All,

This Sunday marks the 244^th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.  Here in Philadelphia, on November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution establishing the Continental Marines.  Since that time, Marines have distinguished themselves defending our freedoms around the world.  During my 33-year Navy career I had the privilege of serving with the Marine Corps for almost one-third of that time.  Monday we also recognize all of our veterans as we celebrate Veterans Day.  World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919.  However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.  For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”  Originally designated Armistice Day by President Wilson, November 11 commemorates the armistice that began that day.  In 1954 Congress changed the name to Veterans Day to recognize all veterans. 

While I was on active duty we observed the Navy and Marine Corps birthdays and Veterans Day by participating in cake cutting ceremonies and attending a few veteran’s events.  Now, as a retired Navy veteran I think of these days a bit differently.   I regularly reflect on how lucky we all are to have men and women who, everyday make sacrifices and place their lives on the line to ensure we continue to enjoy the freedoms we have.  They do this while being held to the highest of standards, professionally, ethically and morally.   Core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment have been the moral and ethical compass that have guided the men and women in uniform for 244 years. 

As healthcare professionals we have much in common with those who serve in our armed forces.  We too have made a commitment to devote our time and energies to serve others.  Most importantly, though, as healthcare professionals we also must be guided by an ethical and moral compass – one that emulates that of our Navy and Marine Corps – that of Honor, Courage and Commitment. 

So, as we celebrate the Marine Corps Birthday on Sunday and take time to honor our veterans on Monday (and I hope every day), I hope you reflect on how we can leverage our own commitment to always conduct ourselves with honor and have the courage to always do what’s right for our patients, clients and those around us.  Semper Fi!