Springfield’s Mayor Says Getting Vaccinated Against COVID-19 is a “Patriotic Act”

Springfield Mayor Ken McClure says getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is a “patriotic act.”

In his Independence Day message to Springfieldians, McClure says he is reminded of the precedent set by George Washington in requiring the Continental Army to be inoculated against the variola smallpox virus, calling it a courageous act.

McClure says we’re at a critical juncture in our nation, state and city’s history, and we need to follow Washington’s example “to continue to vaccinate, even when faced with strong criticism.”

Here’s the full statement from Mayor Ken McClure:

 “On this fourth of July weekend, as we prepare to honor our nation’s 245^th birthday, I am reminded of the precedent set by the commanding general of our armed forces during the Revolutionary War, and the man who became our nation’s first President, General George Washington. His decision to require the inoculation of the Continental Army against the variola smallpox virus was truly a courageous act. At this critical juncture in our nation, state and city’s history, we need to follow his example – to continue to vaccinate even when faced with strong criticism. Find the nearest location to receive your vaccination today by visiting vaccine417.com. It is the truly patriotic thing to do. Happy Independence Day!