Frito-Lay HQ Welcomes the U.S. Honor Flag

Hi, I'm Kristin Holmes from the Frito-Lay Public Affairs team. Today, I had the privilege to attend a special presentation at our Plano, Texas, headquarters office, where the U.S. Honor Flag (pictured left) made a stop as part of its Honor Tour, sponsored by Chevrolet. The visit is a big deal to us too. We are part of American Corporate Partner's (ACP) mentoring program that helps veterans transition from military service to private enterprise. We're also the first corporation the Honor Flag has visited.

The U.S. Honor Flag is an American flag that made its flying debut at the Texas Capitol building in Austin, Texas. After the devastating events of September 11, 2001, Chris Heisler, President of The Honor Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to memorializing the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for their family, community and country, wanted to honor the men and women fighting for our freedom. So, he traveled to Ground Zero in New York to fly the flag in honor of the military personnel, police officers and fire fighters -- both fallen heroes and those on active duty -- who work to keep our country safe. 

After visiting Ground Zero, Chris and his wife, Tammy, started an international tour with the flag, honoring heroes wherever they travel. The flag has proudly flown in Iraq, at the Pentagon building in Washington D.C., and at the U.S. Capitol Building, and it has visited hospitals, baseball games and memorial services for American fallen heroes. I first saw the Honor Flag while attending the Texas Rangers baseball game on July 4, where the flag made a stop in Arlington, Texas, to celebrate Independence Day. 

(Pictured right: Frito-Lay employees who served in the military help display the flag during the presentation.)

The most interesting insight I learned today at the Honor Flag presentation is this: The National Archives named the Honor Flag a national treasure. As such, extensive security measures are taken to ensure the flag travels from destination to destination safely. For example, microchips have been stitched into the flag for tracking purposes, and the flag is stored in a special military-grade, humidity-controlled case. On plane trips, the flag even rides in the cockpit with the pilots. I think these safety standards are appropriate for a flag that honors the bravery and dedication of our military and public service heroes.

The Honor Tour continues with stops across Texas this month, where the flag will fly at a variety of events and memorials. You can check out the scheduled tour locations on the Honor Network's Web site. 

- Kristin

Comments

[Cmadams 1956]

I work for Frito Lay in Charlotte, NC. I think this is a true compliment to our company. I know we have had individuals sent to the Afhanistan & Iraq wars and they were treated with the utmost respect by all here. I was personally involved in getting a couple of them welcome home gifts from co-workers, which were well deserved. I am proud to call those brave men friends. I'm also proud to work for such a wonderful loyal company.
Home of the Free, because of the BRAVE!