A tribute to Veterans, in song and imagery

The choir members take part in a recording session for the “Till the Battle Has Been Won” slideshow. From the left are Antoinette Kennedy, pharmacy tech at Baltimore VA Medical Center; Patricia Riley, patient safety/risk management at Perry Point VA Medical Center; and Keisha Menefee, medical support assistant;  Regina Kennedy, chief of prosthetics; and Carole Jenkins, medical technician, all at the Baltimore VAMC.

During the week of Feb. 14, VA medical centers will hold special events as part of VA’s National Salute to Veteran Patients. It’s an opportunity to say thanks to Veterans, raise awareness of the role of VA care and encourage folks to get involved as volunteers.

I am a VA employee, and my usual job is writing and editing stories about the important research VA does to benefit Veterans. There’s a certain amount of creativity in what I do, but the main message is about hard science. That’s how VA researchers help VA clinicians deliver the best care possible.

Recently, I was privileged to be part of a volunteer effort that involved a different type of creativity. A song I wrote about Veterans—called Till the Battle Has Been Won—was performed by a talented group of employees based at the VA medical centers in Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Working together with graphic designer Michael Escalante, a graduate intern in VA Research Communications, I was able to create a musical slideshow that combines the song with imagery. The lyrics, music and pictures tell a story that I think is perfect for National Salute week.

You can check out the video below. Please post a comment and let us know what you think.

I hope you’ll agree—while the slideshow does highlight VA care and research, and some of the science and technology involved in that effort, it’s more about spirit—the amazing spirit of Veterans, and that of the VA employees and volunteers, and the Veterans service organizations, who do what they do with dedication, gratitude and love.

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