Memorial Day weekend is here and we remember the reason for this holiday; to honor our heroes who gave their all for you and me. The sacrifices made during the Revolutionary War, to present day operations, are worthy of our gratitude and eternal respect. Some common ways to honor the fallen may include: displaying the American flag, placing a flag on the grave of a veteran, teaching a child about our history, or saying a silent prayer for the families and friends who lost a loved one. Our veterans put their lives on the line so we can remain the land of the free.

As we gather this weekend for Memorial Day, make safe health practices a priority. Texans have a proven reputation of being strong and resilient, which is why we are taking the necessary steps to reopen businesses and get back to a life we knew, prior to this pandemic.

As we continue to work together with Governor Abbott, our fellow members of the Texas Legislature, and our local leaders to safely open the Texas economy, what happens next is up to all of us. Lives and livelihoods are still on the line in Texas.

We are each called upon to act responsibly as we re-engage in the economy, to continue following all health precautions and sanitizing guidelines. COVID-19 is still circulating silently in our communities; which makes those persons older than 65 with pre-existing health conditions vulnerable to becoming sick if they contract the virus.

Because of the hidden nature of this threat, every Texan should continue to rigorously follow the health practices recommended by the CDC and our own Department of State Health Services:

• To the extent possible, minimize in-person contact with others not in your household. Minimizing in-person contact includes maintaining 6 feet of separation from others.
• Wash or disinfect your hands after touching any surfaces.
• Consider wearing a mask of some type when entering a business, or when within 6 feet of another person who is not a member of your household. One benefit of wearing a mask is to remind you not to touch your face.
• Self-screen before going into a business for new or worsening signs of possible COVID-19: Cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0℉, and known close contact with a person who is lab confirmed to have COVID-19.
• Call your healthcare provider if you develop signs of COVID-19 and self-quarantine.

Every Texan is part of the solution. I am proud of the phrase, “Texans helping Texans” because it’s in our nature to band together and lift up our communities during difficult times. I believe in the freedom of personal responsibility, so it is incumbent upon us, as individuals, to do what is necessary to protect ourselves, our families, and our community. What happens next is up to all of us.

This weekend shop local, help a senior citizen, help a veteran, and as we memorialize veterans that are no longer with us, stay safe! Doctor’s orders!