Honoring Veterans

The company where I work, Abbott, sponsored a Veterans Day event on Tuesday that focused on the 25th anniversary of the release of the documentary film They Drew Fire. The film told the story of artists sent to the front in World War II to create art that would help sell U.S. war bonds. In 1943, Abbott funded the war art program, resulting in more than 550 pieces of artwork eventually gifted to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.  My colleagues and I watched a short clip from the movie that shared the stories of this unusual way these men served our country.

Veterans Day reminds us that behind every uniform are stories of determination and sacrifice. Learning these stories, whether through a conversation, a community event, or a post on social media, strengthens our connections as a nation.

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.

– Elmer Davis

At the event on Tuesday, we also heard from Retired Marine Lieutenant General Michael A. Rocco, introduced by his son Mike, a naval reservist and Abbott colleague. Lt. Gen. Rocco was able to relate the military philosophy of ‘mission first, people always,’ to how we can motivate and show up for others.

Lt. Gen. Rocco’s talk focused on how important it is to “take care of people.” While we might assume that decorated veterans have every right to boast about their accomplishments, Lt. Gen. Rocco, a former Northwestern Kellogg colleague, retired Brigadier General Bernard Banks, and my childhood friend, retired Major General Trey Rawls have all displayed a kind of humility that belies their rank. They have taken their ethos of service into their civilian roles as a nonprofit CEO, professor, and business leader, respectively.

Veterans Day offers all of us the opportunity to honor and learn about those who’ve served. It can bridge connections between civilians and service members. When we take this opportunity to listen and learn, it can build connections that honor the spirit of service every day of the year.