From sea to shining sea, red, white, and blue are showing up everywhere this summer. Starting Memorial Day through the Fourth of July until Labor Day, our country’s colors appear across home fronts and hometowns throughout the region we serve.
That patriotic palette should be bright, to celebrate important days and commemorate every day we live in the land of liberty. They’re the colors of our flag—red for hardiness and valor, white for purity and innocence, and blue for perseverance, vigilance, and justice. They signify the ongoing fight for American democracy that started more than 245 years ago. For most of us, those colors conjure a swell of emotions about what our country means to us and how our experiences shape us as citizens of the great melting pot our United States motto, E Pluribus Unum (out of many, one), describes.
Just a few blocks east of Hancock Whitney’s corporate headquarters, Mississippi Aquarium’s signature sails shine bright with red, white, and blue as communities across the country celebrate America’s 245th birthday.
Our red, white, and blue also symbolize extraordinary service and sacrifice, reminding us of the price so many have paid to keep us free.
Since we opened our doors 122 years ago, generations of our associates and their families have been part of our armed forces, serving here and abroad and overcoming seemingly insurmountable threats to their own safety to secure our homeland. Whether deployed to defend against terrorists in the depths of a foreign land or facing down our enemies on local turfs, those who serve are the brave men and women who make America home of the free.
The military and homeland defense have been their way of life. They proudly serve, understanding all that commitment entails. Yet, their willingness to protect and fight for us doesn’t lessen the risks and sacrifices they and their families face. That’s why we must always express our heartfelt gratitude, even if those sincere thank-yous sometimes don’t feel like enough.
This weekend, we hail the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness at the heart of our great Nation. While barbecuing in the backyard or building bonfires at the beach, make red, white, and blue all it should be by honoring, including, and expressing appreciation to veterans, active duty military, first responders, and their families. They are the front-line forces who keep us strong and free and help ensure our children sleep safely in communities able to thrive.
At Hancock Whitney, we hope the red, white, and blue always shine bright for you and those you cherish. May this Independence Day be a safe, special, happy salute to what you love most about America.