Looking back on this past Memorial Day, we are reminded what a true privilege it is to share a meal and enjoy the weather with friends and family. It is the perfect holiday to celebrate America’s return to normalcy and the first national holiday since the pandemic mask mandate was lifted. Yet, gathering was bittersweet this year as we joyfully hugged loved ones, who at this same time last year were separated by computer screens, and we remembered the ones we had sadly lost. This Memorial Day was a celebration of American values: family, community, and liberty.
Today, our military grows from the roots of those same American values. We honor our American servicemen and women for their sacrifices made to protect the freedoms of America’s citizens. And we thank our military for their service in the past year of covid fears and societal unrest. On the Homefront in 2020 and much of 2021, while wars offshore reached a standstill, American military personnel crewed the U.S. Navy Hospital Ships. The U.S.N.S Comfort in N.Y.C.’s harbor and U.S.N.S Mercy docked in Los Angeles treated non-covid patients away from contagious and overwhelmed city hospitals. Said the Department of Defense, “the Mercy and Comfort remain powerful symbols of medical care and hope during the darkest times.” America’s Army of the brave and well-trained did bring us hope, as well as hope for a cure: we can thank our military for aiding in the production and distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine. Veterans like retired Army Colonel Herminio Blas-Irizarry were among the first to volunteer for human vaccine trials. When interviewed by Florida’s W.U.S.F. Public Affairs, Blas stated it was something he wanted to do for his country and the world.
G.E.S. would like to thank our Customer Service Manager, Gary Moore, for his service in the United States Air Force. Moore served in the U.S.A.F. from 1975 – 1979. Stationed at Carswell A.F.B. in Fort Worth, Texas, Moore was part of the 7th Combat Support Group of the 7th Bomb Wing of the 8th Air Force. Part of his responsibilities included notifying the family of airmen that lost their lives or were missing in action. Moore received the U.S.A.F. Meritorious Service Medal.
The Meritorious Service Medal is a military award presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States.
Moore is steadfast and takes the initiative; more than that, he is personable and considerate. In the rare moment when he isn’t on the phone helping our customers with their purchases at G.E.S., you can find him brightening the day of a fellow employee. In addition, we always appreciate Moore’s sharp sense of humor. Moore is one of several veterans employed at G.E.S. whose experience and character drive the success of our company.
We hope this Memorial Day serves not only as a marker for sunny days to come but a holiday commemorating hope in our country and a renewed trust and appreciation for our military. We thank our servicemen and women who have continued to make safe family homes, backyard get-togethers, and the pandemic recovery possible in 2021.