Microsoft celebrates USA veterans with 'Old Glory Relay' sponsorship
The Fourth of July is almost here. You know what that means, right? USA Independence Day! Yes, on this day, Americans will barbeque delicious meats and watch fireworks to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and subsequent defeat of the tyrannical British empire. Of course, our former oppressors are now one of our greatest allies.
Microsoft is one of the most famed American companies, and one of its founders, Bill Gates, is a great example of how anyone can become a success within America's borders. Today, Microsoft announces that it is celebrating the people that earned the USA its freedoms -- our veterans -- by sponsoring a 60 day, 3,400 mile relay race called the "Old Glory Relay". What great news so close to July 4th!
"Each day will begin with the American flag being unfurled and entrusted to the day’s first runner and will end with the last runner folding the flag and storing it for safekeeping overnight. During the relay, the flag will be passed from runner to runner along a pre-determined route, with no less than 50 miles traveled each day. Teams of runners will carry the flag for a day, as well as choose how many runners to use and how far each runner will run. A celebration will be held every day of the relay, to allow towns along the route to participate in meaningful way", says Microsoft.
Chris Cortez, vice president, Military Affairs, Microsoft explains, "we are proud to partner with Team Red, White and Blue as we cross our great nation together in the Old Glory Relay. We strongly admire their organization as it enriches the lives of veterans and their families through inclusive and healthy connections in local communities. We hope that by engaging our entire Microsoft community in the Old Glory Relay we'll inspire the IT industry to join us in our mission to open doors to IT careers for the next greatest generation and to embrace the amazing talent veterans have to offer".
Sadly, many veterans come back to the USA after their tour of duty only to have trouble with finding employment. This is disappointing, because those men and women risk their lives, while many of us work in cushy offices and sit comfortably at home with our iPads and big screen TVs.
Microsoft deserves major kudos for not only sponsoring the event, but shining a light on veteran issues and hopefully inspiring the IT community to realize the great value in a returning veteran. These people are great candidates for employment.
If you want to donate or learn more, you can do so here.