Change can be a Difficult Choice.. and the Wrong One too.

This week I was a honored to attend the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball in Washington DC. The Salute to Heroes Ball is not an "official" ball but it has welcomed the President, Vice President and their respective spouses since it began in 1953.

This particular ball is so very special because of its honorees, the Congressional Medal of Honor winners. This award is the highest military honor to be given to anyone, and is often done posthumously. This year we had 48 Medal of Honor recipients present at the Salute to Heroes Ball. That is almost half of those who are still living. It was incredible to be in that room.

Where does change come into play here? Well, this year was different because the incoming President (whom I voted for) did not attend the Ball. He attended others but not this one. This was the first time in history that the President did not attend and spend a few minutes honoring these heroes. So many of us were disappointed.

Clearly, his schedule was packed. Clearly they were off course with timing that day. Clearly everyone wanted him at their ball. ..... Yes, all of that is very true. But, his decision to not attend this Ball, made in the days ahead when he sent a letter to the leading host organization with his regrets, has profoundly impacted many of the people who were there. Remember, I said I voted for him. I wouldn't set him up for failure or look for areas to complain about... but he has given me one for the record books, literally.

This lesson is not just for people in high power, like our President. This lesson is for all of us as we change things in our lives or make decisions that others are anticipating another course of action. Beware. Your decisions and actions may appear subtle to you but they may severely leave a bad taste in someone's mouth. Someone, who you may need to call upon in the future for a need you have.

Personally, I'd rather have a celebrity mad at me for not shaking hands than look away from the men and women who have served our country so honorably. And, did I mention that we are at war? Even President Clinton came to the Ball when it was his time! The argument could go on but what is done is done. President Obama missed a wonderful opportunity and failed in his responsibility to honor our nation's greatest veterans.

Remember, you are responsible for your decisions and your actions. Take them seriously. Consider the negative consequences before acting.