CEO Message: A Reflection on Veterans Day

Last week, the Chamber was closed on Thursday in observance of Veterans Day, the federal holiday marking the armistice ending World War 1 in 1918 on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month.

This year also was significant, being the 100^th anniversary of the establishment of the Tomb of the Unknown Solider in Arlington National Cemetery – one of the nation’s most hallowed places. This place of quiet contemplation is forever reserved in remembrance of all servicemembers who gave not only their “last full measure of devotion” but also their name, to rest in anonymous honor and reverence. Here is an excellent article on the monument’s history and founding from the Arlington National Cemetery.

Veterans Day is always a sobering reminder of the great cost of the freedoms we enjoy. It’s also an important reminder of the great responsibility of having a large, advanced military. Good, clear-headed, fact-based policy making is not just necessary for a strong business climate, it is necessary to ensure that the men and women that serve our nation are not put in harm’s way unnecessarily. A strong nation can be both discerning and powerful.

The business community of Round Rock celebrates the people that choose to serve and make our nation strong. Because they do their jobs, we can pursue the economic vitality that makes our community strong.

In Round Rock, on the doorstep of Fort Hood, our community is the great beneficiary of the talent that emerges from the Army. In Central Texas, we get to experience firsthand that the men and women that volunteer to serve our nation are made of something special. The Chamber’s Talent Development program participated in the 10^th annual “Hiring Red, White and You, a statewide hiring event that connects veterans, transitioning military members, and military spouses to employers across Texas.” We encourage your company to participate in future years, and our program is here to help you connect with these programs if you have that interest.

On behalf of the businesses we represent, we thank all who have served or are in service now, and their families for supporting them.

Thank you!

Jason Ball

#TomorrowTogether