U-Haul® representatives, distinguished veterans, and active-duty military members paid tribute to Gold Star Families and others who have lost loved ones in the line of service during a special Memorial Day weekend event at the New York Stock Exchange.
Before U-Haul presided over the closing bell ceremony on Friday, May 22, guests gathered in the prestigious NYSE Board Room for the Tribute Journey Afternoon Tea.
The elegant tea, sponsored by U-Haul and presented by the NYSE, provided an occasion for Gold Star Families, veterans and military leaders to fellowship while remembering and celebrating those who paid the ultimate price while defending our freedoms.
The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and the NYC Fire Department were represented. Veteran service representatives from the United War Veterans Council and Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans — both longtime U-Haul charity partners — also attended.
New York City Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Yesenia Mata gave heartfelt remarks in recognition of the Gold Star Families present. Each guest received a commemorative ornament and a Tribute Journey Memorial Day Greeting Card in remembrance.
U-Haul attendees included: Nick Marra, U-Haul Area District Vice President for the NYC metro area; Amanda Dowden, 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; and Ashleigh Wagner, U-Haul Community Relations manager.
Kathryn Cross, U.S. Navy Gold Star Mother and Tribute Journey founder, has partnered with U-Haul since 2009.
“Our Tribute Journey Afternoon Tea provided an avenue for Gold Star parents to unite together with veterans, military leaders and very special guests to acknowledge the lives dedicated in service of our country by our families,” Cross stated. “This unique opportunity allowed us the nobility and dignity to uniquely recognize the close relevance of our military families. It was so special and more appreciated than words can express.”
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 International headquarters in Phoenix, Ariz.
This year, U-Haul produced 45,000 Memorial Day cards that were delivered to 250 VA hospitals across 49 states.
In addition to the cards, Cross and U-Haul together have been hosting Tribute Journey Afternoon Teas for 10 years. To read about more Tribute Journey events, click here.
Photo credit: New York Stock Exchange
