Memorial Day 2020
Dear Colleagues,
Memorial Day’s origin cannot be traced to any one place or time. It is known that during and after the U.S. Civil War, some Southern states practiced an annual day of remembrance for those killed in that conflict. In the North, the first observance was known as Decoration Day. Initiated in 1868 by former Union Army Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, memorial events that year were held in 183 cemeteries in 27 states. Logan also asked that during the observances, the nation should renew its pledge to assist the widows and orphans of the war dead. As time passed, the observances spread throughout the country and became a day to remember all who sacrificed their lives in service to their country.
As you all know, the Veterans Health Administration motto is a continuation of Logan’s pledge — also made by President Abraham Lincoln before his own death — "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan." As VHA employees, we have the privilege of fulfilling the most inspiring purpose in the federal government — which is to care for those who have served, their families, and their survivors. As part of the VA, you are a member of the most comprehensive system from any nation whose purpose is to help Veterans.
It is so important that we all take a small amount of time away from cookouts and shopping to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day. For more than two centuries, untold numbers of Americans have answered the call to duty. Freedom is our cause, but freedom does not come without cost, and many paid the ultimate price. They deserve to be remembered. The America we know would not be the same were it not for the men and women who gave their all. Therefore, we honor them each year on Memorial Day.
On Memorial Day, we pay tribute to the men and women who, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, “gave the last full measure of devotion” in the service of their country. As I think about Memorial Day, I personally remember so many heroes that no longer are with us ― We truly honor these deceased heroes by how we choose to treat our living heroes. As part of the VA, we live Abraham Lincoln’s vow to, “Let us strive to … bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and orphan –– to do all which may achieve … a just and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.” I believe all of us at VA honor our fallen heroes every day by doing our best to heal the heroes who didn’t die in combat, but who placed their life on the line for the sake of all of ours. In that way, we consistently strengthen our commitment to care for our Veterans.
Let us always remember that freedom is not free. Let us always recognize the nobility of military service in liberty’s name, and let our thoughts be with the dedicated men and women who put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms we hold dear. We owe them our deepest gratitude and utmost support. From the American Civil War to the Global War on Terror, we honor our service members. You are encouraged to pay tribute on Monday and remember all the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
At Kansas City VA, we honor our Veterans each day for their service to our country. However, this weekend those who have made the ultimate sacrifice will be in our thoughts and prayers. All lost their lives to protect the freedom of others — a freedom they themselves would no longer enjoy. Their lives were not willingly given, yet they served for the benefit of their countrymen. May those who gave all be at peace, and those left behind consoled in some measure through our remembrance and extreme gratitude for their service.
Whether you realize it or not and regardless of whether you are a Veteran or not, we have all benefited from a strong VA. Future generations of men and women who volunteer for military service in America see how America will honor and care for them once their service ends. Whether that service is four years or forty years, how we invest in VA now will continue to be a strong link to ensuring a strong all volunteer military force in the future. A strong VA reflects a strong America!
“No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.” – Calvin Coolidge
DAVID ISAACKS, FACHE