Since 1918, we have been pausing to honor those who have served in the military for our country, whether they serve in peacetime or when our country is at war. As a service-disabled veteran myself, I feel strongly that today is an important part of our yearly celebrations and observances. Throughout each year, we spend time in thankfulness for our blessings; we practice our religious traditions and celebrate the New Year. On Memorial Day, we remember those who have passed away and on July 4th, we rejoice at the founding of our independence. Veterans Day is set apart as the day we honor people who are willing to die for the beliefs of our country.
Our independence and our freedoms are the key to Veterans Day. Our right to choose our own leaders, speak our minds, bear arms, and many other rights could not have been possible without people who were willing to stand up and fight for those ideals. When many people believe that these principles are worth striving for—even dying for, if that is necessary—we have a foundation of protection that civilians can rely on.
As a country, we don’t always agree about where the Armed Forces should be involved. In the past, veterans themselves have faced challenges when they return home. But I believe that we’ve made progress in respecting the human involved in military service, apart from our social and political beliefs. Because Veterans Day is about human beings—the approximately 25 million citizens who have served in the Armed Forces, as well as the many deceased service personnel. And while Veterans Day does not specifically honor the families of these veterans, there are parents, brothers and sisters, children, and friends who all make sacrifices to support the military. I urge you not to forget their contributions as you meditate on Veterans Day.
This day does not have to be just another day, or a day that some people are lucky enough to have off work or school. This can be a day to remember the difficult training, environment, sacrifices – even the wounds and deaths of our veterans. I ask you to make this day special by reflecting on these things, and by not taking for granted the rights that our country has made worthy of such efforts. Be sure to thank a Veteran today.
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Bob Eskridge (bob@eskridge-associates.com) is the President of Eskridge & Associates (www.eskridge-associates.com) which specializes in the placement of physicians in both locum tenens and direct hire placement opportunities nationwide. Bob is one of a handful that has five industry certifications. He is a Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC), Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist (CTS), a Certified Physician Recruiter (PRC) and a Certified Employee Retention Specialist (CERS) through the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS). He is also a Certified Staffing Professional (CSP) through the American Staffing Association.
Bob Eskridge is also President of Eskridge Worldwide Travel (www.eskridgewwtravel.com) providing travel services for physicians as well as Eskridge Consulting (www.eskridgeconsulting.com), a practice helping others to realize their childhood dreams of becoming physician recruiters.