Tomorrow is the U.S. holiday Memorial Day. The purpose of the holiday is to pay homage to the people who have served in the armed forces. I’d like to think that most every country has their own version of Memorial Day, whether it’s Remembrance Day or Veterans Day or something else, even if they don’t recognize it this weekend.
So as you’re grilling, watching basketball or spending time at the beach, take a moment to thank a veteran for the sacrifices they’ve made. And think about the challenges facing them as they return to the civilian workforce. I found a great resource called Military.com that shares practical information about making a professional transition.
This week also marks the start of hurricane season. This might not be big news for everyone but, where I live, hurricane season is important and it’s essential to get prepared. Even if you aren’t subject to hurricanes, there’s probably some other kind of natural disaster you need to prepare for. Make sure you’re familiar with your company’s disaster plan and you have a family plan as well.
Lastly, I’m doing a bit of celebrating and wanted to share the news. HR Bartender was listed on Fistful of Talent and HR Capitalist’s Talent Management Blog Power Rankings and Evan Carmichael’s Top 50 Human Resources Blogs to Watch in 2010. Lots of terrific blogs are on mentioned. Be sure to check it out. You might find some new reading along the way. (Oh and P.S. There’s a caricature of me on the Evan Carmichael site! At least I think it’s me…haha)
I can’t really think of an eloquent way to wrap up these random thoughts except to say thanks. Thank you to the people who keep me safe and to the folks who recognize the work I do. I’m one very lucky Bartender. Cheers!
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ndslotnick says
Thank you for the pro-veteran comments. Most veterans will probably get a little embarrassed, and not know how to respond when you thank them for their service – but the gratitude is always appreciated. In reality, though – the day for recognizing veterans is Veteran’s Day. Memorial Day is really for remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. To that end, I have pasted below the DOD Casualty Report that I saved in my Outlook files from my son’s second tour (of three) in Iraq. The soldiers named were all in my son’s squad. The second, SGT Clark, my son counted as his best friend – he introduced me to him the weekend before they deployed. SGT Clark was loved by all, because, as my daughter-in-law put it, “There was nothing to hate.” My son had been held back from the mission that day to study for an upcoming board. Afterwards, he wished he had been there to help his friends… These young men are what the day is truly about.
Nancy
DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers, who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Baghdad, Iraq on Aug. 6, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV while conducting a combat operations. All soldiers were assigned to the Army’s 2nd Brigade Troop Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Stephen A. Seale, 25, of Grafton, W.V.
Sgt. Carlton A. Clark, 22, of South Royalton, Vt.
Spc. Jose Zamora, 24, of Sunland Park, N.M.
Sharlyn Lauby says
You’re right Nancy. I’m merging my holidays. Thanks for sharing the story of your son’s squad. I hope everyone realizes the importance of supporting our armed forces.