In years past, Memorial Day Weekend was the chance to have a great get-away vacation, spend time with family and friends, and share good BBQ. This year will be quite different. 

We will still honor the brave men and women in Military Service who made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives defending our Nation so that we might have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

But now we need to also remember the many thousands who lost their lives on the new battlefield known as hospitals. We remember Doctors, Nurses and many more who stood in the trenches caring for patients as they lay dying – separated from any family, friends, or support. Some of these also became patients and died. 

Each of us has been touched in some way. Things are slowly getting better. We make our first tentative steps toward the “New Normal”. Let us keep close and cherish the good memories of those we have lost. I close with the words of my good friend Michael White “Be compassionate – everyone is fighting some kind of battle.” 
Yours in Rotary, 

Sumi Kawaratani MD