11-11-11

It's Veterans Day today and a special day at that. Not only the 11th day of the 11th month, but it is also the 11th year of the century. (Okay, I know technically it is not the 11th year because 2000 is the first year of the century, thus this is the 12th year, but allow me the discretion to use the symbolism.) Guernsey-Sunrise schools held the third annual Veterans Day celebration/assembly today and General Kathy Wright gave a keynote speech. She talked about the "story behind the uniform" and encouraged us to learn that story from our veterans and servicemen and women.

In a conversation with her after the ceremony, something she said struck me as a lesson we could all use to get better individually and collectively. She mentioned that she was never looking to the next promotion or aspiring to a certain rank. She said she just focused on doing the best she could in her position and learning how to get better and when opportunity happened to appear, she was ready. So, immediately after hearing that from her, an article I read had the following quote: "The only real measure of your value is the tangible contribution you make, each and every day." While this came from an article on entrepreneurship and was discussing the skills and attitudes necessary for starting your own business, I felt it could be applied to anything we do.

It reminds me of the phrase, "what have you done for me lately?" While many will lament the fact that we have to keep proving ourselves day in and day out - and our past successes and contributions may or may not be recognized or considered - it provides a basis for continual improvement in the pursuit of excellence. Happy Veterans Day.