The last Monday of May is Memorial Day, celebrated to remember the military men and women who died serving our country. This year, I think it fitting to also remember the hard work and sacrifices of our health-care workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Memorial Day Weekend typically marks the beginning of summer. School is out and people flock to the beach or to backyard barbeques and cookouts. No doubt, we have all missed social interaction and fun with family and friends, but public health officials have warned that the impulse to gather and move about more freely, now that states are lifting restrictions, could result in an increase of COVID-19 cases.
As health-care professionals continue to put themselves at risk to keep us healthy and safe, it is only right that we do our part to keep them, and those around us, healthy and safe.
While our sacrifices might seem small, they are immensely important. We must continue practicing social distancing, staying home when possible, wearing masks in public and washing our hands often. We must help protect our health-care professionals and our communities, family and friends.
I am inspired daily by the hard work that is taking place and the care that is being shown during this crisis. It is a reminder to me that when we are willing to sacrifice for something greater than ourselves, we can get through adversity.
During this past Memorial Day, my hope is that we all took time to remember and honor veterans and health-care workers. My hope now is that we continue to practice those measures that keep us all safe during COVID-19. My hope for the future is that after this pandemic is over, we continue to remember the hard and dangerous work of health-care professionals who got us through this very trying time.
My hope is that we honor our health-care heroes not just during this crisis, but always.
The College of Community Health Sciences operates University Medical Center.