As a company, Reynolds takes great pride in honoring veterans, both through its hiring practices and also its community outreach events. Today, on Veterans Day, Reynolds would like to say thank you to all of the veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Veterans Day hasn’t always been the holiday as we know it, though.

It began as Armistice Day on November 11, 1919, marking the one-year anniversary of the end of World War I. It then became a yearly day of observation in 1926, and November 11 legally became a federal holiday in 1938.

In 1945, a World War II veteran named Raymond Weeks proposed expanding Armistice Day to honor all veterans, not just those that died in World War I. Though he led the first national celebration in 1947, it wasn’t until 1954 that the bill was signed into law making the holiday for all veterans and amended to officially refer to the day as “Veterans Day.”

The holiday is especially important for a company like Reynolds, which places a high value on the discipline and skills the veterans in its associate base bring to the table. On the Careers page of the Reynolds website, the company highlights “Hiring heroes,” its initiative to employ former and current military service members in the private sector.

“Being with a company that recognizes the importance of hiring our veterans is something I take special pride in leading,” said Rye Walsh, vice president of Recruiting. “Many times, service members don’t realize just how valuable their training and skills are, as they haven’t seen how they translate to the civilian world.

“For Reynolds, we value the discipline and sacrifices we know they have made by serving our country. By bringing their experience into our world-class corporate training, it’s a perfect opportunity for both of us.”

In addition, the company hosts community events – like the annual Bike Build and toy donation drive – as a way to give back to veterans, active duty service members, and their families.

While Reynolds does its best to honor veterans every day of the year, today, on Veterans Day, the company offers a resounding “Thank you!” to all who serve, have served, or support a family member who serves! We appreciate everything you do for our country!