Delegation, Duty, and the Deep Meaning of Freedom: A Memorial Day Reflection for Modern Leaders

Memorial Day is more than a long weekend. It’s more than barbecues, flags, or a moment of silence. It’s a sacred pause in the rhythm of our lives—a collective breath to honor the men and women who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Former President Barack Obama once said, “Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay.” That quote echoes across cemeteries, through parades, and within our hearts. But beyond solemn remembrance, Memorial Day offers us something else—an opportunity to reflect on how we’re using the freedom that was so dearly bought.

At Ascension Business Solutions, our heartbeat centers on The Art of Delegation. And today, of all days, we draw inspiration from those who served—not just in their bravery, but in their structure, their teamwork, and their purpose.

What Soldiers Can Teach Us About Delegation

Imagine the battlefield: chaos, uncertainty, life-and-death decisions. In this high-stakes environment, soldiers don’t survive by being lone wolves. They survive—and succeed—by mastering delegation.

Each role is specific. Each duty is essential. No soldier would say, “I can do everything.” Because trying to do everything alone in that context isn’t just inefficient—it’s fatal. One person cannot be the medic, the radio operator, the sniper, and the team leader all at once.

That’s the real power of delegation: trusting your team to fulfill their roles so the mission can move forward. That’s leadership under fire. And that’s something every entrepreneur, executive, and business owner can learn from.

The Freedom We Have—and Often Squander

Freedom isn’t just the ability to make your own decisions. It’s the power to focus on what truly matters.

So many leaders today are prisoners of their calendars. They confuse being busy with being effective. They wear hustle like a badge of honor, burning the candle at both ends—while their vision flickers in the background.

But what if we redefined what it means to work free? What if freedom at work looked like trust… collaboration… letting go?

Memorial Day is a powerful reminder that our freedom wasn’t given lightly. It came at a cost. And the best way to honor that cost is to live lives of clarity, purpose, and alignment. To stop clinging to control and start creating space for what matters most.

Delegation Is a Form of Honor

When you delegate, you’re not giving up responsibility. You’re elevating it. You’re saying: “This mission is too important to bottleneck through me.” You’re empowering your team. You’re focusing your energy. You’re leading like a soldier—decisively, strategically, and with the end goal in mind.

Regina, our delegation expert here at Ascension, always says: “Delegation isn’t about doing less. It’s about doing the right things with the right people.” That mindset shift is the key to unlocking growth in your business and peace in your life.

On Memorial Day, as we honor those who gave their lives for our freedom, let’s reflect not just on what they died for—but on how we choose to live. Let’s honor their legacy by using our freedom to build, to delegate, and to rise.

The Business Battlefield and Your Mission

Business, like the battlefield, is won by focus, communication, and trust. When a leader insists on doing everything, the mission suffers. Details are missed. Vision gets blurry. Burnout creeps in.

But when you delegate with purpose—when you lead like a unit commander—you create momentum. You multiply your impact. And you become the kind of leader others rally around.

Today, let’s ask ourselves:

Are we using our freedom to focus on what matters?
Are we empowering others to own their zone?
Are we building teams that can carry the mission—together?

If the answer is no, then maybe Memorial Day is your moment to realign.

A Call to Lead Differently—With Purpose and With Others

At Ascension Business Solutions, we help leaders like you master the art of delegation so you can lead with clarity, free up your time, and fulfill your mission.

Whether you’re planning a workshop, podcast, or keynote focused on The Art of Delegation, or you’re just starting your journey toward more freedom in your business—we’re here to help.

👉 Book a strategy call with us to talk partnerships, co-hosted talks, or customized educational content for your team or audience.