Finish line is around the corner

On Tuesday, I participated in The White House Vaccine Summit. This four-hour meeting of approximately 60 people occurred in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building Auditorium. As I saw governmental and business leaders socially distanced and wearing masks, I became slightly emotional. Not just because it was a grim reminder of these times, but also positive emotion flowing from pride in country and gratitude for the chance to serve Findlay, and our state, as the only Ohioan attending. The experts shared so much information, that I am still not quite sure how I am going to get it out to all of you. But the moment I will remember the most was the closing by Vice President Pence. His words encapsulated exactly what I want to say to our community each day. So I have taken a section of the speech for you to enjoy below. The entire speech is available online at https://fb.watch/2gRUNuA2k7/ beginning at approximately 3:15:30. I quote it below. Have a wonderful week everyone and remember we will get through this marathon together. The finish line is just ahead — so we can neither quit nor celebrate too soon. We must finish the race then help each other finish too. "As we close today what is, I know, for all of us gathered here and all of those looking on, a time of great promise, a time of great encouragement, the American people should know that we all still have work to do — that every single one of us has a role to play. With cases rising and hospitalizations rising in virtually every jurisdiction around America, it's time once again to redouble our efforts to put the health of our families, our neighbors, and our communities first. "And we all know what to do. The American people demonstrated, in the early days of March and April, that we know how to slow the spread. We know how to flatten the curve. We know how to save lives. Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands. Practice social distancing or wear a mask when it's not possible or whenever local authorities indicate that it's appropriate. It's the way that we got through the early days of this pandemic and we flattened the curve, saved lives. It's the way we got through the Sun Belt outbreak. And it's the way we'll see our way through the — the months ahead between now and when the coronavirus vaccine that will likely be approved this week will be widely available for every American. "The President often says — and it's more obvious today than maybe ever before — we are rounding the corner. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. But to reach the end of the tunnel and to save American lives, we just need to redouble our efforts. We have a ways to go, America. "So I just want to encourage you all to be patient in the days ahead. My wife and I ran a marathon — about 10 years ago. (Laughter.) And the records in that marathon were all intact when we finished. And I will tell you, they told us, when we were running, that the last five miles of a marathon are the toughest. You come around that corner and — after the 21st mile — and you're absolutely convinced that you never felt better in your life. You can see the finish line, and then your legs start to tighten up. "You know, the truth of the matter is, we've been running a marathon in this country, haven't we? But I want the American people know the finish line is around the corner. We could see it from here. And by — by the spring, we anticipate — or shortly thereafter — we'll have a — what we believe will be multiple safe and effective coronavirus vaccines for every American that wants one. "But we got to get there. And so I want to encourage you from the bottom of my heart to continue to be diligent to put your health, your family's health, and your community's health first. "I can't help but think of that ancient verse that says, "Do not grow weary in well doing, for, in the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Now's the time for us to stay focused, be encouraged. Because the extraordinary innovation, the dedication of health officials at every level, these great research companies, our extraordinary private partners — we are literally on the cusp of putting the coronavirus in the past. "We are coming very close in the days ahead, I believe, to the beginning of the end of the coronavirus pandemic in America. But it — but it will yet be months to go. We have miles to go before we sleep. And so we encourage you all to continue to do your part. "But I have every confidence that with the dedication of all the officials represented here so well at every level; with programs like Operation Warp Speed; with the dedication of our healthcare workers and our first responders, of researchers around the country; and with the cooperation of the American people, we'll get through this. I have every confidence. I have faith that with your help and with God's grace, we will heal our land, and we will heal our land together. "Thank you all very much. Thank you for being a part of this important summit. And God bless you all." Vice President Mike Pence Muryn is mayor of the City of Findlay.