Thank You for Your Service

Everyday Americans Putting Lives on the Line for Us

When Vietnam veterans returned stateside they seldom got a hero’s welcome. We were too caught up in our own “stuff”.

In “war” comparisons toward Covid-19 — Of course our front line healthcare workers deserve our gratitude for risking their health and their families health as they serve the American public during the epidemic. AND, I am overcome with gratitude and admiration as I am served by grocery and pharmacy store checkout folks and stockers and delivery people in the aisles doing their jobs and helping people. When I see a plumbing truck, an air conditioner repair van headed for businesses and homes I am humbled. Everyday we see communications or power company employees working to keep our systems running. We hear discussion about producing ventilators and what goes on in my mind is “social distancing ain’t happening when retooling an assembly line.”

Yes I am heartsore about the unemployed and families struggling with loss of income. I think about all those close to me who have vulnerability to this current pandemic. AND, I am determined to honor and direct my thanks with heart and voice to the millions of fellow Americans who are soldiering on and doing their job. When a crew shows up at the local grocery store in the morning they are in some ways comparable to a platoon gathering for a days march in a jungle full of an unseen and dangerous enemy. Thanks to all of them for their service.