Regarding the COVID Vaccine Policy at the Memorial @ 05 Jan 2022

We have received a few inquiries about the COVID Vaccination Policy for the Memorial event.

We discussed this in some depth during the planning stages and had hoped it would seem common sense and be accepted by most attendees. For the most part, it has. But we've received requests for exceptions. We again discussed this among the committee through a flurry of emails.

The consensus was "What would Frank want?" or WWFD. I'm not sure, but I think a consensus of his friends is pretty close to what his views would be.

It is difficult to say no to anybody, but to do so puts others in an uncomfortable position. We believe that the only fair option is for everyone possible to be vaccinated against COVID-19. We agree that those who are medically unable to receive the vaccine are not excluded, but ask that they wear a mask as much as possible.

For those who are unvaccinated by choice, we ask that you get vaccinated. There is time to do so, if you act now. There is barely time for the Moderna vaccine to be administered and have the required waiting period. But there is plenty of time to get the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, since it is a single shot.

It is your choice. Vaccinate and Attend, or don't. This is not unfair. It's your decision. We won't have guards at the door. We won't be asking to see your vaccination papers. But we do ask in the strongest terms that you be vaccinated. If you absolutely can't, then please wear a good mask. We will have some available.

This discussion has caused some anxiety on my part. I don't like to have to be the tough guy. Shame on you for putting me in that position and for wasting the committee's time with this again.

You might think you know what is best for you. Maybe you do, but this is what is best for all those attending. You can be the Rugged InDUHvidual and follow your own truths, but if you do, expect to go it alone. There isn't your truth and my truth, there is just reality and fantasy.

You can decline to believe the science, but you still need to believe the results. Masks work. Vaccines work. We would be much worse off without them and much better if everyone would get on board. Put on your Big Boy Pants and get the vaccine.