The Great Equalizer

May 29, 2023?

Dear Leaders,?

Memorial Day in the USA, a time to pay tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service to their country and the cause for which it stands.?Ceremonies throughout the nation mark the occasion, often in our veterans’ cemeteries.?As we look upon the graves of those fallen in battle and those buried here based on their military service, we see no contrast between them, as colonel and corporal alike lie side-by-side in graves marked by headstones identical save for the information about the person on each.?What may not have been equal in life is so in death, for there is no great equalizer than the reality of mortality.??

For those of us who served, when we visit the cemeteries at times of burial for a friend or colleague, the sound of Taps rings hauntingly as we reflect on their lives and careers, knowing they have reported to their final duty station.?Walking through the graves, we see the names of those who served in times of war and peace, and though we knew them not, we knew many just like them.??

Solemn contemplation reminds us of our duty as leaders to honor their memory, not only in our military service, but also in our professions beyond and our lives, lest we lose that for which we serve and live, and making that for which they lived and died to be in vain.?Echoing across the hills and plains with the notes of Taps is the refrain from In Flanders Fields by Canadian soldier and poet John McCrae.???

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

?

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

?

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.?

For those of us in the many nations that enjoy the fundamental rights of freedom and democracy, we owe it to the men and women who have gone before us in service to their country, and we remember this day those who went to war and paid the ultimate price.?As leaders, we demand more of ourselves in accountability for ensuring those we lead are equal in life, are directed and cared for to the utmost of our ability and are ready to assume the mantle when we are no longer there.?As men and women of character and integrity, we demand more of ourselves and those in public service to uphold the principles of democracy in governance, for without it, we are not leaders, but that which exists in lands not so free:?automatons merely carrying out the will of those who rule not to serve, but to be served and worshipped.???

President Abraham Lincoln said of our solemn duty: “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” ???

As leaders, we can do no less.??

Sincerely,

Tim