During our company’s recent Veterans Day events, we took a few moments to honor our service members and thank them for their sacrifice. Beginning this Friday, November 15, and every Friday to follow, Electric Boat employees are encouraged to wear RED to “Remember Everyone Deployed” and show our unwavering support for our troops.
“Red Fridays” began in 2005. Urban legend has it that an email chain was started by a Vietnam veteran who wanted to visibly demonstrate to deployed American service members that their sacrifices are recognized and appreciated.
In the years since, thousands of individuals, organizations and businesses have taken up this cause and joined in observing “Red Fridays” to show support for our men and women in uniform who defend our nation and the freedoms we cherish. Wearing red on Friday reminds us to not take these freedoms for granted and also shows support for the families who don’t get to come home to their loved ones every day.
We also encourage employees to take part in the Troop Support lunches and ice cream socials offered throughout the year. The proceeds from these events are used to create and ship care packages to our service men and women deployed overseas. In fact, since 2004, the Friends at EB U.S. Troop Support Group has shipped more than 12,000 packages and has plans to ship another 400 this Christmas!
Finally, on Fridays at 8:00 a.m., we will broadcast our national anthem throughout the Groton shipyard and Quonset Point facility. Please feel free to observe the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner at work as you would out in the community. Our anthem is a symbol for the ideals and values of our country and reminds us of our rich history.
Participation in and support of any of these initiatives is voluntary. We ask all employees to be respectful of each of these efforts, which are intended to remind us of our connection to the Navy and Nation we serve.
Kevin Graney
President
