Yesterday, we hosted our 9th Annual Veterans Day Parade at Universal Orlando Resort. All branches of the armed forces were represented in a stirring parade that filled the streets of Universal Studios Florida.
On behalf of all the teams that helped make this event possible, I would like to thank all the Service Men and Women that have served and are serving around the world. Every year it is a joy and privilege for our teams to honor you for all your service, dedication and sacrifice.
I’m Fred White, Senior Director of Human Resources and Diversity & Inclusion. I’m also an Army Veteran myself. I know well the sacrifice that Military families everywhere make when together they answer the call to serve our country.
Each year, our resort welcomes families from around the globe, including Military families that stop to take the time to experience extraordinary moments and create lifelong memories with us.
Universal Orlando Veterans Network is just one of the seven groups our Diversity & Inclusion team oversees. We recognize how important people’s stories are. Their background and diverse perspectives help shape their everyday experiences here at work. It is through the work of our Diversity & Inclusion initiatives that we learn to better understand our Team Member experience, and in turn highlight opportunities to connect in a deeper way with our guests.
Our Veterans Network works with our Diversity & Inclusion team to welcome various Military support organizations and area JROTC High School Units, along with Active and Reserve Military Units. The parade each year creates meaningful moments for not just our guests, but our Team Members as well.
When I look around and see the smiling faces and hear the touching stories of service and sacrifice, I feel honored to be a part of an organization that not only appreciates the diverse stories around us – but works to highlight them in an authentic and meaningful way.
Whether it’s the child that salutes the Service Men and Women as they pass through our Universal Studios park or the guest in uniform that poses for a picture with some of our beloved characters, I am reminded that these everyday heroes deserve recognition and a chance to experience a world-class theme park experience.
We are truly honored to serve our Guests and Team Members, and know the joy and excitement we all experienced this week as we proudly saw what the red, white and blue means to you.
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