As most of us head off to yet another family function, this time trying to figure out a way to re-gift the not-so-perfect gift we received, or get ready to attend a fantastic New Years party, where we will count down the old year and welcome 2015, there will be others manning a post, standing watch, waiting to help or simply working their shift.
At these times, it is easy to get lost in what we are doing, the great time we are having with friends and family, but it’s also important we remember those who are not with their families, not with their friends and doing a job we so desperately need them doing.
To the officers and deputies on patrol, to the firefighters ready to respond if the bell rings, to the doctors and nurses on call, we again offer our thanks and best wishes during this festive holiday season.
To the 911 operators who answer the calls, offering a sense of calm to those who are anything but calm, we too say thanks and offer our best this season.
The numbers of those who are called to work during the holidays is surprisingly high, and it is not just those who work in the so-called public service sector, such as fire departments, police departments and hospitals.
We too offer our thanks to those who were asked, or volunteered, to keep gas stations and some eateries open and to those who work in the retail sector, God bless you, the rush is almost over.
Our economy is far too big and the demands are far too many for it to completely come to a halt for one full day. And, sadly, the safety and security of our neighborhoods and cities is far too important for fire and police to shut down for a day or two.
This time of year, we sit back and remember, and thank, those on call — from those in civilian forces to those abroad as part of the military — and those asked to keep our country running on even the most celebrated of holidays and holiday season.