Communications

(May 22, 2026) – As we prepare to celebrate the Memorial Day weekend, which for many is the unofficial start to summer, I am reminded it is important to remember what this day is all about.

Memorial Day is to remember and honor those who have died in our nation's service. In total, more than 1.3 million U.S. military personnel have given their lives in service to their country since 1775. Caregivers, physicians, surgeons, nurses, medics, corpsmen and others — have stood with our armed forces, risking and sometimes losing their own lives in the process.

The connection between hospitals, caregivers and Memorial Day underscores the enduring legacy of service and sacrifice in health care. Like members of the military, health care workers have often put themselves in harm's way to care for others, especially during times of crisis and conflict.

Did you know, throughout the years, Memorial Day has expanded to honor not only fallen soldiers but also military medical personnel who have sacrificed their lives in service to their country? Instead of weapons, their hands held bandages, syringes, medicine and the tools of healing, but their ultimate sacrifice was no less.

I hope you will join me in remembering and honoring the courageous and heroic men and women of our armed forces who gave their lives in the service of our country and what it stands for. Our respect and gratitude for their sacrifice are an appropriate way to ensure their loss is not forgotten and their spirit and patriotism live on in the hearts of their families and communities.

Today, our men and women in uniform stand ready, as they always have, to defend our freedoms and help safeguard our future. So, as you prepares for a Memorial Day weekend marked by barbeques, parades, family and community events, I encourage you to take a moment to also reflect on the devotion of the people Memorial Day honors. May we remember all those who have fallen.