Memorial Day commemorations typically involve festive parades with marching bands, lively outdoor concerts, barbecues as well as tons of flag-waving from patriotic individuals all across America. On Friday, June 24th, Gyrodata went the extra mile to celebrate Memorial Day in its own unique fashion at its corporate facility in Houston, TX.

Several employees first gathered in the atrium to listen to speeches that were delivered in front of a large tribute and thank you wall that displayed pictures of active and retired service men and women. Sean Ellis, Gyrodata’s training manager and U.S. Army veteran, spoke about the importance of remembering the true meaning of Memorial Day and making sure that we all show respect to veterans, who have gone above and beyond to keep this country safe. “While Memorial Day is a great time for families to join together to enjoy barbeques and have a sense of community, it is also about remembering the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” Sean said. He also reminded us of the grave issue that many veterans face with regards to post traumatic stress disorder and suicide rates. On average, 20 service members (including veterans, active duty service members as well as members from the National Guard and Reserve) take their own life each day. It’s important for us to raise awareness about this serious crisis so there will hopefully be positive changes for veterans, Sean explained.

After Sean concluded his speech, Chaplin Steve Allison (who previously served in the U.S. Army and is retired from ExxonMobil) gave a speech on the importance of honoring our veterans and ensuring that Americans continue to always uphold the values of freedom, which shouldn’t be taken for granted. He also recited a moving yet solemn poem called “Why are You Marching, Son?”, which is about why individuals go to war and march for freedom. The poem was written by singer, songwriter and poet, John Mitcham, who created the poem after his son was angry about protesters burning the American flag in Central Park during an antiwar demonstration. “No matter where the big guns roar, our fighting men (like those before) take the torch we all hold dear, and faced freedom’s enemies without fear. Our fathers died from sea to sea and blessed the Torch of Liberty. Why? Why are you marching, son?” Steve recited. He concluded his speech with a brief prayer for fallen heroes.

Employees headed outside (where it was sunny and warm) for a flag-raising ceremony that was arranged by the VFW Post 2427, which is chartered in Tomball, TX. The VFW Post 2427 is an entity of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (This veterans group is responsible for raising funds for needy and disable veterans and their families.) Sean, Steve as well as U.S. Army Honor Guards Mark Szyman, Charlie Nye, Art Eippert Brian Wall and George Snell gave an official 21 gun salute in uniform. The salute was followed by Glen Crews, Honor Guard – U.S. Navy, playing the “Taps” song on his bugle. The distinctive song (which can be traced back to 1862) was originally a military signal for soldiers to turn out the lights and go to sleep. “Taps”, which is now a part of American culture, evolved to be the song you hear at military funerals and memorials.

To keep things traditional, the U.S. flag was raised to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position. The half-staff position signified the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service for the U.S. When the flag is raised again, their memory is raised by the living, who are committed to not letting these sacrifices be vain. Raising the flag all the way up is a signal that Americans are steady in their fight for liberty and justice. After the flag-raising ceremony, Gyrodata employees (who are also veterans who served in the armed forces) stood with members from the VFW Post 2427 for a group photo.

Gyrodata would like to thank all the brave men and women who have put their life on the line to protect America’s freedom and liberty. As we return back to work after Memorial Day celebrations, let’s also consider a quote from an anonymous source: “home of the free, because of the brave”.