On Nov. 7, an American hero died.
In the heyday of The Greatest Generation, we knew what heroes were. We knew what service was.
Priorities were different. Times were simpler. Choices were clear.
Men and women readily answered the call to duty and became a celebrated part of United States history.
Slowly, like the autumn leaves — turning shades of red, orange, yellow and brown before resigning to their fate — those left of that generation are dwindling in number.
But when the last leaf falls, they will remain far from forgotten.
Among them was Dr. Jeremiah Henry Holleman of Columbus, who died last week at 94.
Holleman served in World War II with the Army’s 89th Infantry in the European Theater until Victory in Europe Day. He later served as commanding officer of the 8055 Mobile Army Surgical Hospital unit in Korea. The unit is credited with the first use of the triage system of prioritizing treatment of patients and developing an early form of vascular surgery.
His MASH unit saved thousands of lives and was memorialized in the book, movie and TV series, “MASH.” The “MASH” character, Col. Henry Blake, was modeled after Holleman.
As remarkable as his story reads, he probably didn’t see himself as a hero. They were doing work that needed doing — serving their country.
Like his peers, Holleman took pride in a country that was united, and largely unconflicted about its role in the world. The path to service was well-marked.
Today’s world is a very different place, one plagued by ambiguity and divisiveness. Public discourse is harsh; there is “us” and “them.”
The life of Henry Holleman and the example of his generation offers us a reason to pause and evaluate the roles we play in the service of our country.
Communities offer myriad opportunities for service — as a volunteer, public servant or simply as an engaged citizen.
We encourage you to find your own way to be of service.
Henry and the men and women of the 8055th would expect nothing less.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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