Commemorating Veterans Day
“Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day—a common misunderstanding, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Memorial Day (the fourth Monday in May) honors American service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle, while Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.” (2022, History.com) Ceremonies, parades, and other activities occur throughout the country including a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Honoring our Military Families
Veterans Day is a day of THANK YOU to the brave Americans who signed up to protect our liberties, freedoms, and way of life while making the ultimate sacrifice, risking themselves. As a parent, one realizes the extent by which sacrifices are made to protect their children. Additionally, it’s a time of gratitude to our military families who endure their own sacrifices. In fact, the month of November is designated as Military Families Month. Military families make so many contributions in support of our service members and our nation. They endure unique demands such as separation and during deployments. With the holiday season approaching, we owe it to our military families – especially military children to pay tribute to them in addition to our veterans and service members.
Recognizing our Veteran Colleagues
This week at Gilbane, to commemorate Veterans Day, our Military Advantage Employee-Resource Group (ERG) has organized special opportunities across our jobsites and offices to hear stories from some of our Gilbane employees who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Today we’ll join a companywide virtual event to honor the service of Gilbane’s military veterans. These stories, and all the people and outcomes related to them, cumulatively encompass the great unfinished work and continual improvement of this great experiment we call democracy. Only together can we move forward and only by our most venerable citizens: our service members, veterans, and their families can we thrive.
Building Memorials to Honor our Nation’s Heroes
At Gilbane, we’re proud to have built some of the most iconic and meaningful memorials across the nation including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the National World War II Memorial. It’s an honor to support our nation’s heroes through our work.
Each year, this day is a great reminder to thank our service members and veterans. These folks currently serve or have served to protect you and your loved ones, without knowing you, by putting their own lives at risk. One day is not enough time to thank them, I personally choose to recognize and thank them every day and I hope you join me in this sentiment.
