On Memorial Day we pay tribute to the heroic men and women who gave their lives to protect ours. The memory of these fallen heroes will be celebrated not because of what we think or say. Their legacy will live on because of what you and I choose to do with the freedom they fought for. Every time we do something to help ourselves and those we lead enjoy life, liberty and pursue happiness, we are honoring what they did for this and future generations.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same…” ~Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States~

We admire heroes, in and out of the military, because of their courage to confront the challenges in their life, the sacrifices they made for the welfare of others, their determination to solve difficult problems, and their ability to stay focused on one meaningful mission until it’s completed.

Take a moment this Memorial Day weekend to think about who needs you to be their hero. The world can be a scary place sometimes and even the most optimistic person experiences dark days. Someone you know may be dealing with a health challenge, struggling to reach a goal at work, or dealing with a difficult relationship that is starting to deteriorate. What can you do to give them some hope and help?

Heroic leaders are not born, they are created every time they courageously engage, influence and encourage someone else to achieve a worthy goal or solve a difficult problem. Most of the leaders reading this blog will not be called upon to fight in a war for our country, but every civilian leader has moments of truth every day where they can either run to or away from a battle that needs to be fought on behalf of those they lead.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.~

Where do you need to speak up for someone? What sacrifices are you willing to make for the welfare of others? What’s one problem you need to focus on and solve that will help a co-worker, client, family member, or friend win a battle they’re fighting?

Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, and thanks for what you do to help America stay the home of the brave and the land of the free.

Let’s Get Better. Together! Bill Durkin