Tribute Journey Fleet Week Afternoon Tea honoring Gold Star Families preceded the closing bell ceremony
In a historic moment, U-Haul commemorated its 80th anniversary of moving people to a better life by ringing the New York Stock Exchange closing bell on May 23 to kick off Memorial Day weekend.
U-Haul representatives were surrounded by distinguished veterans, active duty military members, Gold Star Families and other special guests at the ceremony.
“Walking onto the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, everyone was clapping to honor the Gold Star Families, veterans and active duty personnel. It was a very moving moment,” stated Nick Marra, U-Haul Area District Vice President for the NYC metro area.
Sebastien Reyes, president of the U-Haul in-house advertising and marketing team A&M Associates, rang the bell and delivered remarks. The hallowed exchange displayed U-Haul logos and graphics throughout to welcome the Phoenix-headquartered organization to the Big Apple.
It was only fitting that U-Haul was the company selected to kick off the start of “moving season” and Memorial Day weekend, as the industry leader was founded by a WWII Navy veteran and his wife back in 1945.
An Afternoon of Honor
Before the closing bell, guests gathered in the Siebert Hall of the NYSE for the Tribute Journey Fleet Week Afternoon Tea.
The elegant event provides a special occasion for Gold Star Families, veterans and military leaders to come together to remember, celebrate, connect and appreciate loved ones lost in the line of service. Veterans from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and the New York City Fire Department were present.
In addition to Marra and Reyes, U-Haul attendees included:
- Jeff Sonberg, Navy veteran and U-Haul Co. of Manhattan/Bronx president
- Allan Cotto, U-Haul Co. of Northern New Jersey president
- Felicia Roberts, U-Haul Co. of North Central New Jersey president
- Ashleigh Wagner, Community Relations manager
- Robert Price, Army veteran and customer service representative
Kathryn Cross, U.S. Navy Gold Star Mother, artist and Tribute Journey founder, has partnered with U-Haul since 2009. Tribute Journeys are expressions of appreciation for current service members and veterans through the delivery of custom-made greeting cards. Cross creates the illustrations and poetic verses, and the cards are printed at U-Haul headquarters.
U-Haul produced 45,000 Memorial Day cards this year that were delivered to VA hospitals in 49 states.
Each guest of the afternoon tea received a Cross-designed Tribute Journey Challenge Coin and a yellow rose to symbolize remembrance.
A Weekend of Tribute
On May 26, U-Haul Team Members from several companies in the Washington, D.C. area descended on the Capital to participate in the National Memorial Day Parade. It was the 20th consecutive year of event sponsorship for U-Haul.
From Wall Street to the National Mall, the Company’s involvement highlights its deep veteran roots and respect for all those who served and sacrificed.
As the closing bell was heard throughout the NYSE, it wasn’t just a celebration of the last 80 years, but a salute to the heroes who inspire U-Haul to do its best every day.
