On Memorial Day, we honor those who died in service to our country

Dear Colleagues,

When we visit the final resting place of a fallen soldier – whether in Arlington National Cemetery or in the solitude of a quiet country gravesite – we recognize that these are sacred spaces.

Memorial Day, always the last Monday of May, also is a sacred space. This is a day when we honor and thank those who gave their lives for our country. This year Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 30.

In gratitude to our veterans and their families at Duke Health, please take a few moments on Monday to stop and reflect on the tremendous sacrifices made by fallen military members and their families. We are grateful for their service, and we are deeply indebted to them.

Here at Duke, we are fortunate to be home to the Duke Military Association, one of several affinity groups throughout our organization. With more than 1,300 members, the Duke Military Association represents all branches of the military and all parts of the Duke family – doctors, nurses, caregivers, team members and students.

This employee-led volunteer group provides opportunities to network internally, attract and retain veteran talent, provide military-based educational opportunities, and create opportunities to support community outreach activities.

To our Duke Military Association members and to all of our Duke veterans and their families, we honor and thank you.

With gratitude,

A. Eugene Washington, MD
Chancellor for Health Affairs, Duke University
President and CEO, Duke University Health System