The Better for America Podcast
Let’s Add Health Care Workers and First Responders to Those We Remember on Memorial Day
Did you miss someone on Memorial Day? You can be excused if you did, as these particular heroes and heroines may be invisible. Perhaps it’s because they are part of our lives — the health care workers and first responders that are there for us each and every day. But the COVID crisis is a game changer. The doctors, nurses, aides, EMS workers and the cops on the beat face a clear and present danger, yet they do not hesitate to come to our aid despite the deadly threat of infection.
Ordinarily, the purpose of the Memorial Day holiday is to pay tribute to those who have served us in the military—especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. But the honor roll has been expanded this year. It’s not official but the pandemic has created a new class of warriors to whom we should pay tribute: those who die on the front lines in the war against this new, inhuman and devilishly lethal threat.
These “civilians” are not conscripts; they are volunteers who didn’t hesitate to come to our rescue despite the clear and present danger posed by the disease. This is not your run-of-the-mill flu. It’s a plague that is highly contagious, less than six-feet-apart contagious. Yet they don’t hesitate to get up close and personal to come to the rescue.
So many health care workers, police officers and fire fighters who have tested positive for coronavirus as a result of their readiness to come to the aid of those who suffer from the disease that there is no official count. But, you can be sure that many thousands of them have, in fact, fallen ill and too many of them have died. States have been reporting infection rates as high as 20% among physicians, nurses, assistants, technicians, orderlies, administrators, volunteers, drivers, porters, EMTs, police and firefighters.
Bear in mind that while these men and women — first responders, all — may appear to be stout and strong as they stoically go about their work but they are just as vulnerable as you and me.
Dr. Jessica Gold put it this way in an article in STATE magazine recently: “They inspire us as they go to work every day, at great personal risk, to keep others safe. But, as a psychiatrist, I spend much of my life observing and listening — I know that their calm surface appearance is the only armor they have left. Underneath it, many health care workers are barely keeping it together. They are anxious and they are afraid. They aren’t sleeping and they find themselves crying more than usual. The overall feeling in my friends, family, and co-workers is one of an impending doom and an existing gloom that is both physically and psychologically palpable.”
Many of us were out playing with our kids and grandkids as the nation observed Memorial Day last Monday. We’ll probably ate a little too much. We celebrated the non-official beginning of summer. We are a resourceful people and surely we were able to find a way to party despite self-isolation, face masks and gloves But we are also a grateful nation that remembers the sacrifices of our armed forces and our unarmed protectors on the front lines of the war against a new insidious enemy — COVID-19.
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Including First Responders to Memorial Day would dilute the meaning of the day, you’re comparing apples & oranges, it would be a poor choice. Check out the list below, it’s possible that the general public just doesn’t know about these dates.
Jan 9th, National Law Enforcement Day
May 4th, National Fire Fighters Dat
May 12,, international Nurses Day
May 17 – 23, National EMT Week
Oct. 28, National First Responders Day
My opinion: No, keep Memorial Day to honor our military. Another day to honor health care workers and 1st responders would be fine, however, Memorial Day should not be changed. I am a retired 1st responder and always felt Memorial Day was special, especially since it is a day set aside to honor and remember those who paid the supreme sacrifice.
Let’s not. Unless we also add grocery store workers, truck drivers, farmers, trades people, accountants, factory workers, politicians, ( just kidding on the last one), but you get the point. All the above, and others, show up and do their jobs every day To do the job they signed on for, to keep the country running and from time to time, put their lives and safely at risks.
No,no,no. Memorial Day is for honoring the men and women in our armed forces who died serving our great country during war and military action. Start a new remembrance day if you wish to honor the first responders, but don’t allow this bad idea to move forward. Our soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom deserve to be honored, respected and remembered. They belong to a blessed and sacred congregation. Dying on foreign soil, or coming home to die slowly from toxic poisons. Honor the others, yes, but they cannot and should not be integrated with our beloved military dead.
Not an appropriate idea. Already so many “days” for honoring or remembering those who serve in other ways. Perhaps you might try consolidating those into one huge “thank you”‘ day. But don’t confuse their service with Memorial Day. No connection.
As I am very grateful, and hold these folks in high esteem, I don’t agree with adding them to our Memorial Day celebration. I think they are working, doing their job, as so many other Americans, and the responsibilities of each of us varies greatly during these times. There are certain ones that stand out as heroes, but too much weight is placed on this type of recognition in our nation today. Every noble action does not need public recognition, as their reward will be eternal.
No let’s not dilute the tribute to those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom, including all in health and first responders. Memorial Day is a sacred remembrance for the fallen soldiers only and needs to stay that way.
Absolutely not! The PC police and people like you have already diluted and destroyed the honor received by lowering of the American flag to half mast for just about anything and for every nobody except maybe the local junkyard dog! You don’t demean Memorial Day by including average civilians who work in a job they are paid for and chose to do. They are not special…. and they certainly are not Heroes for showing up for work! Ms Weber…. you need not expose your cavalier disdain for the military by suggesting such a despicable idea on this board and especially if your are employed by AMAC. You are certainly no Patriot and I certainly will not read any more articles by Rebecca Weber!
Not appropriate. Memorial Day should remain for our military. As a paramedic for 40 years I appreciate the sentiment but would not want to see the reason for Memorial Day changed. I appreciate what our military has done and continues to do. If people feel they need to honor others it should be done at a different time.
Memorial Day is to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the armed forces of this great nation, not just to honor those who serve or have served in our military. We have other days designated for that.
Our first responders and health care workers need their own day of remembrance.
Absolutely NOT! It’s bad enough the original intent of Memorial Day has been desecrated. Memorial Day is to honor members of the Armed Forces who has given their lives for America. Too many people think Memorial Day is a time to honor all military past and present. That is the purpose of Veterans Day.
You are absolutely off base on adding these folks to the Memorial Day holiday. This day is for the recognition of our military, period. Don’t dilute this. If you want to bring attention to these folks, do it on another date.
I am a first responder and I totally disagree with this idea. As it is already, our society has become too distanced from our soldiers who have laid down their lives to preserve our freedoms.
I agree with the rest of the comments here. Those who have died for our freedom deserve our highest esteem and a day to remember them by without tossing them in with others doing their job. I am 72 and still working in an “essential” job (not considered first responder). I showed up to work while others sheltered at home. One of my daughters is a nurse in Boston, MA, where many fell victim to this disease. Still, I don’t believe our jobs rise to the level of every day danger our soldiers deal with, and they should continue to solely be honored on Memorial Day.
No, they didn’t die for our freedom.
NO! NO! NO! We should all be grateful for what has been done and accomplished but this is not the same thing! It is not that they are not appreciated, it is just not appropriate! Leave Memorial Day alone and for what it is and has been intended for.
It is wrong to include others on Memorial Day. I am a fireman and my wife a nurse. We do not expect recognition for doing what is our job. Military personnel who paid the ultimate price in order to fight a person who wanted to kill them is completely different then a hyped up virus that has not and never will amount to the deaths of brave men and woman who fully expected to die insuring our freedom. If you do this then next you will include everyone who died from snake bit, dog bite, automobile accidents, and the flu. Trump NEVER should have tied the covid deaths in with Memorial Day.
I disagree – Memorial Day is for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the armed services of our country. Don’t diminish memories of them by tagging on others – especially those who are still serving or living. As a 20 year US Navy veteran I stand up proudly on Veterans day and bow my head on Memorial day.
Please allow me to join the chorus: “Absolutely NOT!” (How could one even suggest such a thing?)
They need a day. But pick one such as Florence Nightengale and use the. Monday closest to her birthday or death day as the day for them. DO NOT MUDDY THE WATERS by diluting the meaning of the day we remember the men and women who gave their all to keep us free enough to be able to remember those who havedied
No Memorial Day is for our military. Another day should be designated for these fine people
I think we can honor first responders another way. Memorial Day should NOT be for anyone other than those who sacrificed in the military. Keep it the way it was designed.
No, Memorial Day is for honoring the military that gave their lives for this country. If you want a day to honor non-miltary first responders, establish one through the political process, but DO NOT commandeer Memorial Day.
I Agree somewhat that folks doing special deeds to combat this epedemic & going beyond to help need to be recognized but don’t agree lumping them into Memorial Day. Because conversation is led by Political & Media Bias now…the only way to determine what’s true is to look back on it later on & memorialize Then.
Absolutely not Memorial Day is set aside for the remembrance of our fallen military.
Just No! I am a retired RN and my husband retired State Patrol and ex military so my respect for first responders runs high. And tho they do expose themselves to a deadly virus and other diseases and possibility of death each day, it is important that we respect those who died defending this country. Keep it separate please. God bless and keep all who serve safe.
It is clear that we have heroes, medical and first responder, that deserve recognition for their sacrifice during the Coronavirus crisis. A special day of remembrance, established by Congress, should be considered.
Memorial Day, as designated by Congress, is a day to remember our Military Heroes. The ultimate price paid for our freedom stands alone. Keep Memorial Day as it is .. remember – FREEDOM IS NOT FREE – ALL GAVE SOME AND SOME GAVE ALL!
No, no, NO! It cheapens the meaning of Memorial Day. A day where thousands upon thousands have given their lives. They actually died for their service to our country.
I had to work every day during this so-called pandemic. I’m a plain old grocery store worker. Watching people flip out over this over hyped virus… it’s disgusting. We performed a tough job, extra duties, CLOSE CONTACT with thousands of people and every single item their contaminated gloves have touched all day (the same gloves they discarded in shopping carts and all over the parking lot for us to pick up), verbal abuse, customers fighting over space, angry people griping over the non existent toilet paper and supplies that they, themselves, horded. The mental, physical, and emotional effects of all this has been overwhelming. Yet, we are not heroes, either. Not even close. To date, none of us within my store have been infected. Not one. I’m just glad to have a job.
The medical community faces deadly and infectious disease on a daily basis. It’s a little thing called their job. A tough one, yes. Also, one for which they are pretty well trained and compensated. This virus was hyped to be way more deadly than it has turned out to be. The media and overreach of Government has made it appear to be way more significant. So, in the minds of many, these doctors and nurses are facing almost certain death. I’m not discounting their work. Many are fine people. But to say they have sacrificed their lives to the level of our military? No. Not even close.
Memorial Day is for military service members who died serving our country. Give the medical community their own day if we must. But don’t conflate the two. I am grateful for doctors and nurses, but eternally grateful for the brave men and women who sacrificed everything so that we could have a free nation in which those doctors and nurses work. Perspective.
No. Absolutely not. A day set aside to remember those in the military who died defending our freedom should NEVER be diluted. I have no quarrel with recognizing our heroic covid19 first responders. Just not on this day.
Absolutely Not! We honor the sacrifice the members of the military made or where willing to make, today and every day and in the past. We should honor each other, day in and day out. Why isn’t it possible, for mankind to admit, for our own existence on this earth, we need each other. In some capacity of each and every hour of each and every day!! Year after year to follow succinctly, day after day! We may not always like each individual, but in some cases, it removes our focus upon ourself!!
No! Leave Memorial Day asa remembrance of service members who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
You’re barking up the wrong tree! Memorial Day is for military service members who have given their lives. Not saying first responders aren’t brave people, but they are 2 different groups–not a good idea. And I notice many people have the same opinion.
I am in agreement with BobA. Thank God for those that serve and give their lives as health care workers, but let’s not delude the memory of those that gave their lives in a very different and heroic manner.
Absolutely not. I’m amazed that AMAC would even post something as tone deaf as that.
Memorial Day is for our military!
As a retired, 37 year, “First Responder” LEO, I do not belong in Memorial Day observances. Law enforcement has it’s own Day and Week.
My daughter, a Surgical Nurse – who is still alive and well – might enjoy and deserve her own day of recognition…
no , enough , stop the BS they got paid did they not ? No one in a free country is more essential than anybody else !!!!
Memorial Day has always been to honor those who died fighting for our freedom. I don’t think doctors, nurses, or first responders should be honored on a day honoring those who died for our freedom.
As much as I appreciate first responders, it’s not the same, honor them on a different day. The meaning of Memorial Day should not be made into something it’s not.
David D
No! No! No! Absolutely not! Recently I heard that teachers were now heroes! Before you know it garbage men, insurance salesmen, lawyers, janitors, etc. will be added.
Memorial Day should be solely to honor military veterans. This sounds like something coming from the radical left and I find this idea being brought up by AMAC very
disturbing. I didn’t go to Vietnam as a combat infantryman to let a proposal such as this be adopted.
I am adamantly opposed to the addition of the health care workers/first responders to the Memorial Day honoring. I wholeheartedly agree with the addition of another day set aside for them, but Memorial Day is, and always should be, to honor those military men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country in war and peacetime. To add, and then later on add some more, and then after that add some other group that some self-righteous pinhead thinks ought to be included does a terrible disservice to the memory of our military members. This idea sounds like it comes from someone who feels that everyone should get a participation trophy and that we should never keep score, because that will hurt someones feelings. So, no. Not only no to including them on Memorial Day, but hell no.
And next I suppose there will be a demand that burial services be grated this new class of Warriors be buried in Arlington and other government cemeteries. Better to create a different day for first responders recognition rather than water down historical military observance. Just sayin’
My opinion, no. As a retired first responder, I appreciate the sentiment, but Memorial Day is special for a reason. Let’s keep it that way.
Memorial day is for our deceased troops. While I would support some type of special day for our first responders, especially those that have died in this newest battle, it is not the same. Being coughed on & dying is just not the same as going overseas to defend some other country and being shot, blown up, attacked with a flame thrower etc. After I retired from the military, I spent 24 years as a fire fighter and several as an EMT, so I see both sides of this discussion.
Never! What a shameful suggestion. My dad and five of my uncles served in the military during WW II and one of my uncles died on Iwo Jima at the age of 19. Memorial Day is to honor and remember those who died defending this country. Period. First responders and others can be recognized on some other day(s).
Yes, the healthcare professionals, the EMS personnel, career and volunteer, the police officers, Firefighters, again, career and volunteer, and all other first responders deserve a day of recognition – of their own. To remember them on the same day as our military veterans does a dishonor to both. Each has served admirably, without question or hesitation; seeking nothing more than the safety and security of their fellow human beings.
I am a veteran, a retired Firefighter/Officer – 25 years each in both Career and Volunteer capacities.
As Tom pointed out in his reply… we already have several days to commemorate First Responders. Obviously, the author of this article didn’t do their homework…letting their heart get in the way of their head. That’s the same mentality that allows the National Debt continue to skyrocket.
You must be kidding. I am a retired nurse. I was exposed to numerous infectious diseases during my career. I knew what I was getting into. Memorial Day should only be for our military who gave all for our freedom. It is not for the living. My dad was a WWII vet who said that the heroes were the ones who never came home. I expect more from you AMAC. I am disappointed in you.
My wife and I are both emergency department healthcare workers. We are totally against incorporating healthcare workers and first responders into memorial day. We are not heroes we are just doing our job and we know the risks of that job.
Let there be no question, I support first responders and our health care corps. But also, let there be no question that those who die in combat, while bullets are flying at them, deserve the special respect of Memorial Day.
No, do not even consider putting healthcare workers and first responders in the same category as people who have given their lives for our country. My wife and I are both military veterans and emergency department workers. It would be a travesty to even consider this proposal.
Absolutely NOT! This sounds like “everybody gets a trophy”. As has been mentioned, give ’em their own day. God knows everyone else seems to have one!