April 2, 2023 | Issue #62

1 Quote. 1 Reflection. 1 Question.

1 Quote.

"All the real heroes are not storybook combat fighters. Every single man in the army plays a vital role. So don't ever let up. Don't ever think that your job is unimportant. What if every truck driver decided that he didn't like the whine of the shells and turned yellow and jumped headlong into a ditch? That cowardly bastard could say to himself, 'Hell, they won't miss me, just one man in thousands.' What if every man said that? Where in the hell would we be then? No, thank God, Americans don't say that. Every man does his job. Every man is important."

From: George S. Patton

Source: The Patton Speech,  June 5th, 1944. 

1 Reflection.

George S. Patton was one of the most influential military leaders during World War II. This quote comes from a speech to the Third Army, a day before Allied Forces stormed the beaches of Normandy. 

As one officer recounted at the end of the speech, "The men instinctively sensed the fact and the telling mark that they themselves would play in world history because of it, for they were being told as much right now. Deep sincerity and seriousness lay behind the General's colorful words, and the men well knew it, but they loved the way he put it as only he could do it."

Right now, You may be like others in our society stressing to find a purpose. However, Patton's words serve as a reminder that everyone matters, and everything you do matters. 

School janitors prevent the next outbreak from happening. 

Truck drivers keep us from starving to death. 

Plumbers protect our homes from turning into bacterial breeding grounds. 

The crossing guard ensures the future of our children when they cross the street. 

Accountants allow the money to hit our bank accounts. 

Whatever our jobs are, we should do them well, and attempt to master them. Because you and I are part of the same army, storming the beaches of life.

1 Question.

Who would be harmed if you didn't show up for work this week?