Old Words with a current message

Listen closely as words from Iwo Jima (77 years ago this week) echo to us today. Two weeks after the epic flag raising, a Jewish chaplain spoke at the dedication of the new cemetery. Read this excerpt, take action.

We dedicate ourselves, first, to live together in peace the way they fought and are buried in this war. Here lie men who loved America because their ancestors generations ago helped in her founding and other men who loved her with equal passion because they themselves or their own fathers escaped from oppression to her blessed shores. Here lie officers and men, Negroes and whites, rich men and poor – together – Theirs is the highest and purest democracy. Any man among us, the living, who fails to understand that will thereby betray those who lie here dead. Whoever of us lifts his hand in hate against a brother makes of this ceremony and of the bloody sacrifice it commemorates an empty, hollow mockery. Out of this, and from the suffering and sorrow of those who mourn this, will come—we promise – the birth of a new freedom for the sons of men everywhere.”

Spare me the rabid political rants, this post is about what happens inside your organization. How will you lead. What culture will you create. How will you make all feel welcome and valued

His message is clear – live together in peace.