FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, November 4, American Airlines and the
United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, a
Congressionally authorized division of the Department of Defense,
is recognizing more than 1,300 American Airlines employees,
retirees and family members who served during the Vietnam War
period (1955-1975). This year marks the 50th anniversary
of the first ground troops in Vietnam.
"We're proud to be a commemorative partner with the Department
of Defense to recognize this important anniversary," said
Scott Kirby, President of American
Airlines and graduate of the U.S. Air Force
Academy. "American Airlines has a long history of support
for active duty service members, veterans and their families. Today
is about honoring our employees and their family members who served
in the armed forces between 1955 and 1975, and we are forever
grateful for their service and their sacrifice."
These events, taking place in 10 cities across the country,
will, in addition to recognizing employees, retirees and family
members who served, pay tribute to former prisoners of war, in
memoriam, unaccounted for veterans and deceased Vietnam veterans' spouses for their service
and sacrifice on behalf of the United
States and American. The cities include Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Ft.
Worth, New York,
Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Tulsa and Washington, D.C.
"We're delighted that American Airlines and all nine of its hubs
and Tulsa maintenance facility have joined our nearly 9,000
Commemorative Partners in thanking and honoring our 7.2 million
living Vietnam veterans and the 9
million families of those who served," said retired Army Major
General Jim Jackson, director of the
United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. "On
November 4, American will recognize
more than 1,200 of their employees who are Vietnam veterans with a public presentation of
the Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin. To those who served their
nation and sacrificed so much, these public ceremonies and this
lapel pin are lasting mementos of the nation's thanks. We encourage
anyone flying American Airlines on November
4th to be on the lookout for one of these ceremonies and
take time to stop and 'Join the nation ... thank a Vietnam veteran!'"
The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act authorized the
Secretary of Defense to conduct a program to commemorate the 50th
anniversary of the Vietnam War and "in conducting the commemorative
program, the Secretary shall coordinate, support, and facilitate
other programs and activities of the Federal Government, State and
local governments, and other persons and organizations in
commemoration of the Vietnam War." For more information on the
Commemoration, visit www.vietnamwar50th.com.
American and its employees dedicate significant time, money and
other resources to supporting our men and women in uniform,
veterans and their families. Last month, the airline hosted its
annual American Airlines Sky Ball, raising more than $2.2 million for the Air Power Foundation, an
organization who is dedicated to supporting active duty, reserve
and National Guard families. American and its employees also work
throughout the year supporting our nation's heroes through
initiatives like Hero Miles, Snowball Express, charter flights for
Salute to the Troops, and Seats for Soldiers. To learn more about
American's support of veterans visit www.aa.com/military.
About American Airlines Group
American Airlines Group
(NASDAQ: AAL) is the holding company for American Airlines.
Together with regional partners operating as American Eagle,
American offers an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to
nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. American is a
founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members and
members-elect serve nearly 1,000 destinations with 14,250 daily
flights to 150 countries. This year American Airlines Group Inc.
topped Fortune Magazine's list of best business turnarounds and its
stock joined the S&P 500 index. Connect with American on
Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.
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SOURCE American Airlines