by ARCADIA, Wis. — On Thursday, May 26, Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC (Ashley) advanced manufacturing and distribution facilities held their sixth annual flag raising ceremonies in honor of the upcoming Memorial Day holiday.
Ceremonies were led by Ashley executives from Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, along with members of their local military organizations. Employees gathered for a moment of silence and the raising of the flag to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day. Ashley employees who are current or past service members were also recognized during the ceremonies.
“Being a veteran of the U.S. Army, the raising of the flag symbolizes what we used to do every day in the military when we’d raise Old Glory to her full height,” said Steve Ralston, Ashley Distribution Services [U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne – Medic]. “The American Flag has been a symbol of freedom for over 225 years. Through times of war and times of peace, the sight of the flag has given notice to foes and assurance to friends that democracy lives. The only reason our great democracy lives is because of the ultimate sacrifice our service members have made. No other symbol captures the power and glory of our nation like the American Flag.”
“It’s fulfilling to see how this ceremony has become an annual tradition at our Ashley facilities,” stated Todd Wanek, President and CEO, Ashley Furniture Industries, “Employees and local community members come together to show their respect in honor of our fallen military members. It is an impactful reminder of all the things we have to be grateful for, especially the sacrifices made by so many heroes so that we can freely live in this beautiful country.”
Additional Ashley facilities across the country recognized the holiday with a moment of silence during the workday.
