A Salute to our Veteran Healthcare Heroes

This Veterans Day, I’m proud to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to all those who’ve served their country in the United States armed forces. I would especially like to recognize those who have chosen to serve in healthcare, caring for their communities today. We recognize the unique skills, resilience, and unwavering sense of duty that they bring to our healthcare teams. These special individuals embody the spirit of service and the values of discipline, teamwork, and purposeful commitment to excellence. I believe their presence in the healthcare setting is a testament to the strength and dedication of our nation’s veterans. They are a source of inspiration to colleagues, a beacon of hope to patients, and a vital part of our mission to provide exceptional care to our communities.

Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11. It was formerly known as Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day, marking the anniversary of the end of World War I in which major hostilities were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.? It is distinct from Memorial Day, and commemorates the service of all U.S. veterans, while Memorial Day specifically honors those who have died while in military service. Veteran’s Day is a day to honor the courage, commitment, and dedication of our veterans in defending our freedom.

?

Beyond the parades and celebrations, it is also a reminder to pause and reflect on the immense sacrifices made by veterans and their families. Many have endured hardships, faced danger, and experienced significant personal challenges in their service to our nation. They have left behind loved ones, risked their lives, and returned home with physical and emotional scars. We should honor their bravery, resilience, and commitment to protecting our way of life. We should also recognize the challenges they face in transitioning back into civilian life and pledge our support to their well-being.?

By fostering an inclusive environment and recognizing their unique strengths, healthcare organizations can benefit from the valuable contributions of veterans and create a more diverse, resilient, and compassionate workforce.

To our veteran healthcare team members this Veterans Day – thank you for your steadfast dedication, your compassion, and your commitment to healing. We are honored to work alongside you, and we are proud to recognize your service not only on November 11th but every day. Your sacrifices are not forgotten.

With deepest respect and gratitude,

David G. Hunt, MSN, MBA, RN, NEA-BC

Senior Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer

UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center

Click the "Subscribe" button in the upper right corner of the page to receive "Nursing Notes" each month. For more articles and insight, connect with me here!