Today, we find ourselves in the midst of an ongoing season of uncertainty, unrest, unnatural disasters, and unnecessary violence and death. We have all been touched by a fresh sense of fragility in ourselves and in our social systems.

In order to survive and hopefully thrive, we must recognize that in spite of all this, we are dynamic. We are a journey, not a destination, a process, not an event. We have options in how we respond to how life presents itself to us. And sometimes, we just have to go the extra mile.

Going the extra mile means taking what you have and looking for ways to expand it. This week’s show is a return to our Frankly Speaking Human Library theme: Thank You for Your Service, Then and Now.

Over the past six years, I have demonstrated my passion for celebrating veterans and active duty military who continually help us sustain and maintain our quality of life, often at the greatest of costs. We have heard stories through diverse lenses including wars fought, age, gender, race, family impact, and especially cultural and social legacies.

For more than a century, an organization called Rotary, People of Action, has bridged cultures and connected continents. Rotary champions peace fights illiteracy and poverty, helps people access to clean water and sanitation, and fights disease. Rotary’s newest cause is to protect our planet and its resources. The global organization’s motto is Service Above Self.

Rotary celebrates veterans and active military who help maintain our national quality of life with a flag display called Flags For Heroes on July 4^th, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day. The definition of Heroes expanded during our most recent war against COVID to include healthcare professionals, teachers, public safety, and all who kept our lives livable, e.g., grocery workers, sanitation, etc.

Take a listen and be inspired. Then share and subscribe.