Dr. Mark Morocco, a professor of emergency medicine, recently wrote an essay entitled, “Uncle Sam wants you vaccinated.” In it, he said something that touched me greatly: “Americans sent their sons and daughters across the globe, their fear of loss heavy on their hearts. Families who lost children displayed their pain with flags bearing gold stars hung in front windows. Death arrived sewn on red cloth – a visible symbol of sacrifice. Let the deaths of so many guide you to becoming a COVID-19 patriot.”
Speaking of patriots, is there a more patriotic group of men and women than U.S. Marines? In the heat of battle, they often are ordered to charge head-first toward unknown dangers. So how is it these brave souls are willing to risk their lives to save democracy but, according to CNN and The Hill, nearly 40 percent are reluctant to get vaccinated and help win the war against the pandemic?
It doesn’t make sense. My guess is many recruits have to get booster shots before joining the Marines. If true, then what is preventing Commanding Generals from ordering all troops to roll up their sleeves and help defeat the deadly coronavirus? You don’t have to be a decorated soldier to know it is a lot safer to get a shot in the arm than to be shot at by enemy forces.
Make no mistake about it. We still are at war with COVID-19. As Dr. Morocco put it: “When you get that jab, wear your vaccine status proudly. You don’t need a gold star in the window to identify a hero: a Band-Aid on a shoulder will do.” I couldn’t agree more.
-DF