Veterans Day Note to Class

Hello Classmates

Most of you know today is Veterans Day. We don’t make much noise about it here, so I wanted to raise some awareness and make a request.

At OHSU we have a large, blue building filled with 303 beds just for veterans, and the main road that courses through our campus is a reminder of these special persons in our midst. They come from all walks of life. For the last forty years or so, they have all been volunteers. They almost all begin their service as young, idealistic women and men who desire to serve their fellow citizens in a deeply personal manner. They literally sign their lives away and stand ready to place themselves in harm’s way believing it may be the only means by which we might protect our freedoms, our families, and the ideals that bind us together. They then carry these experiences of sacrifice in their hearts and minds until they lay themselves down for a final rest. They are worthy of our thanks.

Indeed, they are not unlike all of you. They choose to serve others. They hope that they will make a difference in the lives they touch. They press on with courage and honor and a sense of duty knowing that giving our best for the people around us is what makes us unique on this earth. They put hands and bodies into motion for the sake of persons who are weak or hurting, fearful or oppressed.

In that we are all the product of the intentions of those who come before us, and we are currently in a relative state of safety, free to speak our minds, provide well for our loved ones, and gather as good people, please take a moment today to remember the best intentions of our veterans. If you know one, give them a call. If you see one, say ‘thanks’. I’m headed to the VA today to do just that. Maybe I’ll see you there.

Thanks for your thoughts and service,

Paul Reynolds
SOM MS1