Memorial Day 2021

Memorial Day is a day aside to remember the sacrifice of men and women who have laid down their lives in battle protecting our country. We celebrate Memorial Day this year at the end of a deadly pandemic. This year I remember not only soldiers who died in war, but those who died on the frontline fighting what our former president called the “invisible enemy” of COVID 19.

At least six hundred thousand Americans have died in this war in the last year and a half. That is nearly as many as died in combat in all American wars combined (666k). More than 3,600 U.S. health care workers have perished on the frontlines in the war against COVID. That is more than died at Pearl Harbor or September 11. Let us remember them.

There are those who downplay their sacrifice, who undermine and thwart the efforts of healthcare providers. Some people ridicule the advice of the CDC and NIAID, calling the coronavirus epidemic a hoax, refusing to wear a mask or receive a vaccination for political reasons – not medical ones. Our country asked us to sacrifice a little comfort and convenience in this war, but many refused. They chose ideology above protecting Americans.

America is still at war. Like WWII after D-Day but before VE Day and VJ Day, the tide of the war has turned, but the war on COVID is not over. People are still dying. People are still fighting on the frontlines, while others party like it’s 2019. The war is not over till it’s over. Eight thousand people still die of COVID in the world every day. Healthcare workers are still risking their lives to care for these people.

Let is remember our fallen soldiers who died on the battlefield fighting a military enemy. Let us remember those who have died in hospitals fighting a viral enemy. Let us remember our healthcare warriors this Memorial Day. Let us honor their sacrifice. Let us remember that this war is still being waged in hospitals around the world. They are also heroes this Memorial Day. Let us honor and remember them.