Cintas VALOR

Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the horrific terrorist attack on America. 2,977 people died that day while thousands of others were injured at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Somerset County, PA. But in the midst of our darkest hour, brave Americans met this terror with extraordinary acts of heroism, courage, and sacrifice. Ultimately, the American spirit prevailed and we emerged a stronger nation. Congress declared September 11 Patriot Day in December 2001. Later in 2009, it was officially named the National Day of Service and Remembrance to encourage Americans to serve their community, country, and each other. Please take a moment today to remember those who lost their lives that fateful day, and for those patriots who sacrificed everything as they ran into the danger to save the lives of so many. Also remember all those who have lost their lives since, as a result of the aftermath of the destruction or as a result of the battles we waged against defending freedom against the forces of terror and evil. Your nation is forever grateful, and we shall never forget.

NATIONAL AIRBORNE DAY - AUGUST 16 On August 16, 1940, 48 volunteer members of the U.S. Army Parachute Test Platoon performed the first official U.S. military parachute jump at Fort Benning, Georgia. Today, the date is celebrated as National Airborne Day, a day to honor the U.S. Airborne Forces. After the first jump, a large force of more 100,000 paratroopers was formed and assigned to the 11th 13th, 17th, 82d, and 101st Airborne Divisions, which fought in every theater during World War II, according to the Department of Defense. Parachutes were an innovative technique used by the Allied Forces, enabling them to deploy troops behind enemy lines. Parachute assaults were key to the US military’s success in the battles for Sicily, Salerno, and D-Day. During the operation into Holland in September 1944, the airborne forces secured all of their objectives. Building on the success of the airborne divisions in WWII, the United States military continued to develop this means of enveloping the enemy from above. This approach grew to include Ranger and Special Forces units in the Army, and airborne organizations in the Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy. Airborne forces have made combat jumps in Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Afghanistan, and Iraq. A number of our HFOT Veterans were serving in airborne units when they were injured. In 2002, President George W. Bush proclaimed August 16 to be National Airborne Day stating: “Airborne combat continues to be driven by the bravery and daring spirit of sky Soldiers. Often called into action with little notice, these forces have earned an enduring reputation for dedication, excellence, and honor. As we face the challenges of a new era, I encourage all people to recognize the contributions of these courageous Soldiers to our Nation and the world.”

Today, August 7, is National Purple Heart Day which was first observed in 2014. The Purple Heart is presented to service members who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the U.S. military. There are an estimated 1.8 million recipients of the Purple Heart.    The Purple Heart was first created on August 7, 1782, by General George Washington, the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. Originally known as the Badge of Military Merit, it was awarded to three revolutionary soldiers in 1783. For unknown reasons, the medal apparently was not awarded again. For 150 years the award was essentially forgotten. On February 22, 1932 – the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth – US Army Chief of Staff Douglas MacArthur, out of respect to Washington’s memory and military achievement, reinstated the Badge of Military Merit and renamed it the Purple Heart.   The newly introduced Purple Heart was not intended primarily as an award for wounded in action, rather Army regulations required a “singular meritorious act” and “a wound which necessitated treatment” by medical personnel during that act, during combat with an enemy.    The Purple Heart was exclusively an Army award, until in December of 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an Executive Order authorizing the award to personnel from all military service, retroactive to December 7, 1941 (Pearl Harbor). The order also stated that the Purple Heart was to be awarded to any service member “wounded in action against an enemy of the United States.”    In November 1952, President Harry S. Truman issued an Executive Order extending eligibility retroactive to April 5, 1917 coinciding with Army eligibility dates. In February 1984, President Ronald Reagan extended the award to those service members wounded during terrorist attacks.   Today is a chance to remember and honor the bravery of the nearly two million men and women who were wounded or gave their lives in the fight for our nation’s freedom while ensuring that their courage is never forgotten – our Nation is forever grateful! 

VALOR searching for talent at the Pensacola Naval Air Station recruiting event!

Cintas partner travels to Normandy and was there for the 80th Anniversary Commemoration.  He attended the ceremonies as part of a school trip with his son as a chaperone.  

Happy 249th Birthday to the United States Army!!! America's Revolutionary War began on 19 April 1775 with exchanges of musketry between British regulars and Massachusetts militiamen at Lexington and Concord. As their fellow citizen soldiers from New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island responded to the alarm, a state of war existed between the four colonies and the British government. Called the Army of Observation, a force of New Englanders surrounded Boston and had the British troops who occupied it under siege, but they needed help. They appealed to delegates who represented all thirteen colonies to join them in the struggle for American liberty. When the delegates to the Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia on 10 May, they soon learned that armed men commanded by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold had captured the British forts at Ticonderoga and Crown Point on Lake Champlain in New York. The constitutional crisis, in which Americans sought a redress of grievances from the British king and Parliament, had become open hostilities. The delegates realized that even though many desired reconciliation, they would now have to address the new military situation. The Congress took the next step that eventually transformed a local rebellion into a war for independence when it established the Continental Army: the force we know today as the U.S. Army. On 14 June 1775, Congress "Resolved, that six companies of expert riflemen, be immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia… [and] as soon as completed, shall march and join the army near Boston, to be there employed as light infantry, under the command of the chief Officer in that army." The delegates then prescribed an oath of enlistment that required the soldiers to swear: “I have, this day, voluntarily enlisted myself, as a soldier, in the American continental army, for one year, unless sooner discharged: And I do bind myself to conform, in all instances, to such rules and regulations, as are, or shall be, established for the government of the said. Army.” The next day Congress voted to appoint George Washington “to command all the Continental forces” and began laying the foundation for "the American army." The above article is from: US Army Center of Military History.

D-Day - 80th Anniversary Today marks the 80th Anniversary of D-Day – when the allied forces invaded the beaches of Normandy in Northern France during World War ii. France at the time was occupied by Nazi Germany, and the amphibious assault – codenamed Operation Overload. By the end of the day, 156,000 troops from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom landed on the beaches of Normandy. Despite the success of the allies, over 4000 troops were killed that day by the Germans defending the beaches. Historians often refer to D-Day as the pivotal event that marked the beginning of the end of World War II. The operation was unprecedented in scale, complexity, and audacity. At the time, the D-Day invasion was the; largest naval, air, and land military operation in history. Within a few days, 326,000 troops, more than 50,000 vehicles, and some 100,000 tons of equipment had landed. By August 1944, all of France was liberated, and in the spring of 1945, the Allies had defeated the Nazis. Here are some interesting facts about how the operation unfolded: 6:30am – June 6, 1944 – the Sea landing started 73,000 US Troops were part of the invasion force 83,000 were from the UK and Canada 50,000 German forces were protecting the beaches 4414 troops gave their lives on the beaches 2501 were Americans 5000 more troops were wounded 11,000 aircraft were involved 7000 ships and boats were used 13,100 American paratroopers were deployed, 2499 gave their lives 22,000 German soldiers are among the many buried around Normandy As we commemorate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, let us never forget those who gave everything that infamous Day. But also keep in your thoughts and prayers the survives – the youngest being in their late 90’s. It is unclear how many D-Day veterans are still alive, but what is clear is that their legacy will live on forever! World War ii was arguably the most significant and influential event of the 20th century – from the unparalleled loss of life to the devastating destruction left behind, to the dawning of the nuclear age, to the forming of NATO. The legacy of WW II is ever present – a legacy of death and destruction, but also al legacy of sacrifice, hope, courage, determination, innovation, and freedom. Thank you to the Greatest Generation who gave everything to ensure freedom and liberty endured! Let us honor their legacy by never taking for granted the freedoms we live with and continue to protect the liberty we have that make our country the greatest to ever grace this world.  

The Missing Man Table Honored Memorial Day Weekend by Cintas Location 41! Each item on the Missing Man Table represents the emotions and feelings reserved for those who did not come home. The ceremony symbolizes that they are with us, here in spirit. All Americans should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation’s call to serve and fought for our freedom with honor. * The cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve. * The single red rose: displayed in a vase, reminds us of the lives of these Americans and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith while seeking answers. * The red ribbon represents a love of country that inspired the service members to serve the country * The yellow ribbon symbolizes our continued determination to account for our missing. * The lighted candle reflects our hope for their return, alive or dead. * The glass is inverted, symbolizing their inability to share a toast. * The chair is empty, the seat that remains unclaimed at the table

Remembering this Memorial Day, please be safe and have an enjoyable weekend.