During the month of May each year, communities take time to honor and remember individuals who have given their lives to defend the freedoms we enjoy. This year we must add a new legion of heroes to our ranks.
First responders, medical professionals and healthcare workers left their homes and families behind and went off to battle an invisible enemy – coronavirus. They work in field hospital settings, use throw away gowns and handmade masks. In some cases they’ve used sub-standard equipment. They are subjected to exhausting work schedules. Many are staying in hotels because they don’t want to expose their families to the coronavirus. Some of these individuals did not and will not return home. They have sacrificed their own lives in the service to others.
There will be no parades, no welcome home galas, no medals and no funeral honors. Their families could not be with them at the time of their passing. They will be gone, but they must be remembered for the gift they gave. It is our responsibility to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
On the fourth Monday in May, there was no Memorial Day Parade in Naperville this year to honor the soldiers who died in battle, but we must never forget those medical professionals who fought and continue to fight for our very lives.
Other individuals that we should thank are the truck drivers who keep the supply chain going, grocery store workers who keep the shelves stocked and all those invisible workers who provide services for us in these trying times. I know a “thank you” would be greatly appreciated by them.
As the lockdown and quarantine is lifted, let us not forget the creativity and care we have shown to family members and neighbors. I know these have been tough at times, but my wife, Jan, and I are personally proud of the way Naperville has handled this crisis. I think many of us have realized that some things we thought were important really are not. Thank you.
