At General Dynamics Land Systems in Michigan, “Veteran’s Day is an elaborate company-sponsored event that recognizes veterans and active reservists. A keynote speaker is selected from within the military ranks of GDLS. The ceremony begins and ends with a color guard from a local reserve unit and a piper playing traditional laments for the fallen. The entire work force experiences these formal Veteran’s Day activities as they gather in the atrium and along the three floors in the headquarters building. A veteran’s memorial has been placed in a prominent position in the atrium of the Sterling Heights Complex headquarters, and each year is adorned with a specially-prepared patriotic wreath.”
Your ceremony can be elaborate or simple. The important thing is to honor those who have served and those who continue to serve today. Assistance is available from local military organizations and from groups like the American Legion or the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Many companies today are populated by a large proportion of employees who are too young to remember the wars of our country’s history and how and why they were fought. Veteran’s Day offers a wonderful opportunity for your older employees to engage in informal group discussions (brown bag lunches? Company-sponsored breakfasts?) where they can share what life was like in the old days. Storytelling is an effective way to build an appreciation of our heritage.
