Memorial Day Remembrance: Week of May 27th, 2022

Students, Faculty, Residents, Staff, Alumni, Board Members and Friends,

I’d like to congratulate all our graduates once again and take the opportunity to thank Dr. Jim Caldwell, Ms. Shannon Boss, Ms. Alexis Abate, Mr. Carlos Rodriguez, and their staffs as well as all of our Salus volunteers for making yesterday’s commencement ceremony so special for everyone who attended. Also, special thanks to our Salus Board members who attended, Dr. Bob Owens who represented our Alumni Association Board and to Courtney Bernhardt for her inspiring Graduate address. I think everyone who was lucky enough to hear Admiral Howard’s remarks will remember her lessons on teamwork, leadership and commitment to excellence. I least I hope so!

As we approach this Memorial Day weekend, it’s important to remember that throughout our history, starting with the American Revolution, through the horrible devastation of the Civil War, through World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan, more than a million American Servicemembers have made the ultimate sacrifice to help secure the absolute blessings of liberty for the United States and our allies globally.

I ask you all pause to remember those who gave their last measure of full devotion so we could enjoy the ceremonies like yesterday’s graduation and all those other freedoms our democracy enables. Memorial Day is not just about sales and a long weekend. With our fast and busy lifestyles, many traditions have been lost over the years that neglect to remind us of this truly important Day of Remembrance.

Originally established in 1868, Memorial Day serves as a day to remember those that died while serving and protecting our nation. To that end, please take a moment to remember those brave and honorable women and men who gave their lives so we all could be free and if you know a person serving on Active Duty or is a Veteran, please thank them for their service.

Have a great weekend. Stay safe, keep wearing your mask when around others, social distance when you can and look out for one another to remain SALUS STRONG!

Mike