Rachel Gill, Licensed Master Social Worker from Westminster, led us in defining some of the ways that we not only remember, but also can truly live, our honoring of all the patriots who gave some, and the some who gave all—for us. Skillfully drawing out various members in thoughtful discussion with leading questions, Rachel helped us make a list of important thoughts, attitudes, and actions we can take:
- Establishment of memorials and monuments
- Tell the stories of those we lost so that they, and the lessons they taught, are not lost
- Honor, remember, heed their names (personalities, values, etc.), know their back-stories
- Support families of survivors in any way needed, including helping educate their children
- Practice good citizenship which they sacrificed to protect, that is,
- Be engaged, informed, vote
- Be kind, thoughtful to all
- Recognize that those who have sacrificed are of all races, religions, cultures and then be welcoming and friendly to the living of those same races, religions, cultures
- Recognize that our Rotary service is a good framework for service to veterans
- Talk to your children; teach them by word and example not only the history of sacrifice, but also what honor and good citizenship means and that it is the primary way to properly honor that sacrifice
- Admit that freedom has accountability, that freedom it not license to do whatever you please, but opportunity to become better and to better your country
- Volunteer
- Live the 4-Way Test of Rotary
In closing, Ernie shared a bit about the emotions of the service member in a war zone. There is much wisdom in what we learned from each other today. May we all take this to heart and when we remember, may we remember to truly honor the sacrifices other make on our behalf.