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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
SG July 4th Message – A Salute to Independence
Shipmates,
As the Fourth of July dawns, I want to extend my warmest wishes to each of you – the dedicated men and women of Navy Medicine. This week, we celebrate with fireworks and barbecues the foundational principles upon which our nation was built. The belief that an independent nation governed by its people could form a more perfect Union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, and provide for the common defense of our people.
The Declaration of Independence and the establishment of our Navy are directly related to providing for the common defense of our people. For 248 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has been one of the most powerful symbols of our freedom and global power: protecting our shores, securing trade routes, serving as a deterrent to our adversaries, and a testament to our ability to project power abroad.
The men and women of Navy Medicine are an essential component of this proud history and an assurance to those who courageously serve our nation that they and their families will be cared for while deployed at sea, in hostile territories around the world, and at home.
So, as you celebrate this Fourth of July, take a moment to reflect on the deeper meaning of the holiday. Remember the sacrifices made by those who dared to dream of a free nation and the innovative spirit that led to the creation of our service. Let the fireworks remind you of the battles fought and won to secure our liberties and let the laughter with your families be a testament to the peace we strive to protect.
Finally, as you enjoy this well-deserved time off, please remember that our safety and the safety of our loved ones is paramount – please make safe and responsible choices.
Your dedication and sacrifice are what make our nation and our Navy strong. I wish you a happy, safe, and meaningful Fourth of July!
SG #40, Corpsman Up!
RADM Darin K. Via
Medical Corps, United States Navy
Navy Surgeon General
Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
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