OWC's American Flag at half-mast

On Monday, May 25th, OWC was closed in honor of Memorial Day. This solemn day, originally designated in 1868, is now observed as a federal holiday on the last Monday of May. Designed to commemorate the lives given in service to our fair nation; parades, speeches, and family observances occur nationwide to honor those thousands of fallen men and women. To learn more about the history and meaning of Memorial Day, www.USMemorialDay.org is an excellent resource.

OWC proudly flies an American Flag at our headquarters and in compliance with Memorial Day decorum, it was my personal honor to set our flag at half-mast at sunrise and then restore it to full mast at noon on Monday. The entire OWC team takes its responsibility to our members of the Armed Forces very seriously and we support their efforts far beyond honoring those who have lost their lives.

OWC's American Flag raised to full mast at 12:00PM

In 2008, as part of our support project for the soldiers of the McHenry County National Guard Unit (Delta Company 1st Battalion, 178 Infantry Regiment who had been recently deployed to Afghanistan, we shipped individual care packages, one for each of the 55 soldiers, plus letters from the local elementary school children. We truly find it an honor to know and support our local National Guard Unit.

Earlier this year, we learned those troops, currently deployed in Afghanistan, were trying to start up regular softball games but did not have any equipment.

So, we felt it was our duty to send them a shipment of softball equipment. We received this grateful acknowledgement:

“I just wanted to write and let you know we have received the equipment you sent, and thank you again for your support. The guys are excited to get a few games going. We are waiting for a down day when we can get a couple of games in. We will try to get some pictures and send them to you. I hope everything is going well back home. I’ll be in touch. Thanks again for your friendship and your support.” SFC Bill Hornbeck

Two months ago, we learned with great sadness that three of our local heroes lost their lives in Afghanistan. Our American Flag was lowered and each employee engaged in a moment of silence to honor these young men. In a small town, the loss of one life reverberates across the community, and three fallen heroes is more than one town should have to bear.

Our sincere thanks and gratitude goes out to all those serving today, as well as those who have served in our Armed Forces across time. We remember and honor those that have fallen in the line of duty. Our hearts go with all of you who have lost loved ones in time of war and strife.