A Message from the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
Colleagues:
Today, we will pause our busy work lives to celebrate the 248th birthday of our nation’s independence. The Fourth of July is the quintessential American holiday with its parades, cookouts, fireworks, and time with family and friends. While these are all things that make this day memorable each year, it’s also important to remember what we celebrate.
When the Declaration of Independence was written, it was by no means certain that this brash new country with its ideals of equality and freedom would succeed in overthrowing the rule of the King. It would take individual and collective courage, perseverance in the face of hardship and unwavering faith – qualities that to this day embody the people who serve in our Armed Forces and in the Military Health System.
We have undertaken some bold moves ourselves this year and I know that our success can be traced back to those qualities we share with the visionaries of 1776. Our country was founded on ideals that endure these 248 years later. The legacy of courage, love of country, and sustained commitment to those ideals can be seen in every city, town, and rural community across the U.S. and are lived each day throughout the MHS.
On this Independence Day, I am grateful for each of you and the work you do to honor the legacy of our founders. Thank you to those of you who will be on duty tomorrow while the rest of the country celebrates.
Happy Fourth of July! Stay safe this weekend and enjoy this wonderful country.
Very Respectfully,
Lester
Lester Martínez-López, M.D., M.P.H.
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
Joel Schofer's Career Planning Blog 