Veterans Day 2022

Veterans Day 2022

Remembering all those who have served.

This year marks the 104th anniversary of the end of WWI, and we take a moment to recognize the significance of the U.S. participation in the ‘war to end all wars’. 

In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

For 103 years, we have marked Armistice Day, now called Veterans Day, as a day of remembrance. Originally celebrated to for those who fought in WWI, the day is now for all vets. The observance of Veterans Day on November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Please join us in recognizing our veterans and their families in service to our country and communities, here and abroad, in times of conflict and in times of peace. Thank you, for all that you do.

How to Get Involved

The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on November 11 at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony commences precisely at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans' organizations and remarks from dignitaries. The ceremony is intended to honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces. Throughout the month of November, there are many other ways to celebrate veterans and their families, both locally and nationwide. To learn more Veterans Day and about ways to get involved, view the Department of Veterans Affairs website.

A Long-standing Tradition

Andersen has been dedicated to supporting military veterans, active duty personnel, and the extended families who love, nurture and sustain them throughout their training and deployment for more than a century. During World War I, under Fred Andersen’s leadership, Andersen suspended normal business operations to produce more than 200,000 window frames for barracks and other military buildings. Employees also manufactured thousands of target frames used in gunnery practice. By 1918, the plant devoted its entire attention to the war effort, suspending normal business. Also during WWI, Mary “Molly” Andersen created the first American Field Service recreation camp for U.S. military nurses in Europe.

During World War II, Andersen redesigned its Narroline® double-hung window to eliminate 97 percent of critical materials for the war effort, aptly naming it the Victory window. Andersen also contributed to the war efforts by producing wooden ammunition boxes. In recognition of these efforts, Andersen earned two prestigious Army-Navy “E” awards, an honor presented to companies whose production facilities achieved “Excellence in Production” (“E”) of war equipment.

In 2019, Andersen Corporation was recognized as a Yellow Ribbon Company by the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs (the Minnesota National Guard), for its commitment to leveraging existing programs and building effective support initiatives for vets, active military employees, and their families. 

“At Andersen, we believe in working all together to make our company and our communities stronger. It’s a privilege to join the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program as an ardent supporter of veterans and military personnel who have dedicated their lives to selflessly serving our country,” says Jay Lund, chairman and CEO of Andersen Corporation. “We are proud of our employees who serve or have served in the military and we look forward to welcoming more service members and veterans to cultivate long careers with Andersen.”

Andersen is also a signee of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement, demonstrating the company’s commitment to maintaining the strength and readiness of the Nation’s Guard and Reserve units. As part of its comprehensive plan, Andersen commits to new and continued programs that: 

• Hire, retain and support employees who serve in the reserves

• Sponsor career events for people transitioning from active military duty to the civilian workforce

• Create support plans for deployed employees and their families

• Provide pay differential above legal requirements for employees who are active in the armed forces

• Engage with veteran-owned businesses and work to include diversity in its supply chain 

• Focus on aiding veterans’ support nonprofit organizations

Other resources for employees include pay continuation offerings for veterans called to active service and the Military Connections employee resource network which helps to lead initiatives and assist with identifying resources and support for our veterans, active military employees, and their families. 

Says Lance Whitacre, Sr. VP of Manufacturing and Logistics and Military Connections executive sponsor, "During November, and especially on this Veterans Day, I want to thank our employees and their loved ones for their military service to our nation. You are true heroes. My father and my grandparents served in the U.S. Military, and while I think of them on this day, I also think of our vast group of colleagues at Andersen Corporation and Renewal by Andersen who have served and continue to serve our country. The Military Connections ERN continues to find new ways to connect and support servicemembers and veterans within our company, and we will proudly support their efforts to further engage and look for new opportunities. Thank you again for your service and thank you for making Andersen Corporation and Renewal by Andersen special places to work."

Now Hiring Heroes

We are committed to hiring veterans, and recognize that military veterans possess the drive, independent work ethic, and leadership skills that are hard to teach. We encourage and welcome veterans of all branches of the service to learn more about us and consider joining our team.

Are you a veteran and looking to start that next career stage? It could be with a long-standing American company, devoted to improving homes, lives, and communities. We have openings across all areas of the organization, from product manufacturing specialists, master installers, dynamic sales consultants, marketing, IT, and RD&I professionals, and many more. 

Renewal by Andersen has locations throughout the country, so we welcome our employees, friends, and advocates to refer a veteran today!

Check out career opportunities on our careers page!