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As a former Army medic, reflecting on September 11, 2001, brings back vivid memories of how deeply it shaped not only the military but also the nation as a whole. The attacks marked a turning point, sparking the War on Terror, leading to deployments that forever altered the trajectory of so many lives—military personnel, first responders, and civilians alike. For medics, the aftermath saw a heightened emphasis on combat readiness and trauma care, as we found ourselves deploying to areas where our skills were critical in saving lives under fire. The immediate response to 9/11 was a surge of patriotism and a sense of duty. Many, including myself, were motivated by the need to serve and protect. The warzones we entered in Iraq and Afghanistan had a distinct intensity, with the constant need to provide medical care in challenging and dangerous environments. It also redefined the scope of care, blending battlefield medicine with innovations in trauma care that have since improved survival rates for soldiers and civilians alike. The impact of 9/11 endures, not just in military strategy or geopolitics, but in the personal stories of those who served. For many of us, it was the catalyst for a career that tested our resilience, taught us the value of life, and left a lasting imprint on our view of sacrifice and service. #NeverForget #September11 #ArmyMedicReflections #ServiceAndSacrifice #CombatMedic #Patriotism #WarOnTerror

Profound reflections:

🇺🇸 Happy Flag Day! 🇺🇸 Today, we celebrate Flag Day, a special day to honor the symbol of our nation's unity and freedom—the American flag. 🌟 Civics Lesson of the Day: Flag Etiquette and Lesser-Known Facts The American flag, also known as "Old Glory," represents the values and history of our country. Here are some lesser-known facts and important etiquette about our flag: Lesser-Known Facts: 1. Flag Code: The United States Flag Code, established in 1923, provides guidelines on how to display and handle the flag. It’s a set of rules to ensure the flag is treated with the respect it deserves. 2. Never at Half-Mast by Mistake: The flag is only flown at half-mast by specific orders, usually by the President or a state governor, to honor and remember the sacrifices of our nation's heroes. 3. No Flag Higher: When displayed with other flags, the American flag should always be at the highest point or to the flag's own right (the observer’s left). 4. Proper Disposal: When a flag is worn and no longer fit for display, it should be retired in a respectful manner, typically by burning in a dignified ceremony. Did You Know? 1. Folding the Flag: There is a specific way to fold the American flag into a triangular shape, which symbolizes the hats worn by colonial soldiers during the American Revolution. 2. The Flag’s Birthplace: The first American flag was commissioned by the Continental Congress and crafted by Betsy Ross, a seamstress in Philadelphia. 3. National Anthem Connection: The Star-Spangled Banner, written by Francis Scott Key, was inspired by the sight of the American flag flying over Fort McHenry after a battle during the War of 1812. Let's come together to honor our flag and reflect on the principles it stands for. Share your pictures and stories with #FlagDay and #OldGlory to spread the patriotic spirit! 🇺🇸✨ "One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one nation evermore!" - Oliver Wendell Holmes Happy Flag Day! 🇺🇸 #Civics #Patriotism #AmericanFlag #FlagDay2024

Be brave enough to teach the history they are trying to erase!: On June 22, 1944, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act (USA), known as the GI Bill, to provide financial aid to veterans returning from World War II. The benefits included access to housing, small business loans, employment, and education. While the GI Bill was federal legislation, it was administered by the states, where Jim Crow laws and practices severely limited equal access to the benefits. Here are some questions to consider regarding the GI Bill: Were the benefits for everyone? How many elected officials, opposed to government programs today, benefit from their family having been on the GI Bill? What is the impact of the GI Bill on racial disparities in the United States today?

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Rest in Peace -------------- "On November 22, 1963, John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, was assassinated while riding in a presidential motorcade through Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas." xxxxxx Peace for all ------------- President John F. Kennedy Washington, D.C. June 10, 1963 "What kind of peace do I mean? What kind of peace do we seek? Not a Pax Americana enforced on the world by American weapons of war. Not the peace of the grave or the security of the slave. I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children--not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women--not merely peace in our time but peace for all time."

After all of these years, this 2 minute video continues to inspires me. As we approach Veterans day let us remind oursleves that not only is it valuable to recognize the contributions of our veterans, but it is also important to remember that peace, not conflict, should be our default. I listen to this speech often when striving toward a better world through listening, understanding, and the goal of peace for all humankind. It reminds me of responsibility of those in power, the power of words and actions and doing the right thing in the face of challenging circumstances. The speech is from 1963, so it would be revised to be more gender inclusive, but the central tenets remain sound. "I realize the pursuit of peace is not as dramatic as the pursuit of war, and frequently the words of the pursuers fall on deaf ears. But we have no more urgent task...Our problems are manmade; therefore, they can be solved by man. Man's reason and spirit have often solved the seemingly unsolvable, and we believe they can do it again...And if we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. For in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's futures. And we are all mortal." https://lnkd.in/g_4uV2BK

Yesterday was Memorial Day, a time to honor and remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms. This day always makes me pause and think about the values of dedication, commitment, and integrity that these heroes embodied. As a professional, I find myself deeply inspired by these values. How can we incorporate such unwavering dedication into our daily work? How can we ensure that we are committed to justice and integrity in every case we handle? For me, Memorial Day is not just a day of remembrance, but also a reminder to strive for excellence in all we do. It’s a call to honor those values in our own lives and professions. I’d love to hear your thoughts. How does Memorial Day inspire you in your professional journey? #MemorialDay #Reflection #Values #Dedication #Integrity

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