Others Before Self
March 25th is National Medal of Honor Day.
I didn’t see much about it on the news, but it made me reflective.
It’s a day set aside to recognize individuals who went far beyond what was asked of them for putting others first, even when it came at an extraordinary cost.
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration in the United States, but what it represents goes beyond the battlefield.
It represents a mindset.
Duty before recognition.
Courage without guarantee of outcome.
Leadership through action, not words.
In a world that often rewards attention and self-interest, it’s worth pausing to reflect on what those values really mean.
While most of us will never face the kinds of moments Medal of Honor recipients did, we are all faced with smaller versions of the same decision every day.
Do we step up or stay comfortable?
Do we take responsibility or pass it along?
Do we look out for others or just ourselves?
Here in Rhode Island, we see examples of selfless service all the time.
First responders who show up without hesitation.
Volunteers who give their time quietly, without recognition.
Small business owners who support local causes and communities.
Neighbors who lend a hand when it’s needed most.
These moments may not make national headlines, but they matter.
They are the foundation of strong communities.
The best leaders understand this. They don’t ask, “What do I get out of this?”
They ask, “What needs to be done and how can I help?”
That mindset, service over self, is something we could use more of everywhere.
Today is a reminder.
Not just to honor those who gave everything, but to carry a piece of that mindset into our own lives.
Because strong communities aren’t built by words.
They’re built by people who choose to step up.
