This quarter, as we at Hancock Whitney mark the 125th anniversary of our 1899 charter and observe 2024 Veterans Day, 1918 comes into sight as a significant year for our company, our country, and the world.
In February 1918, one of the deadliest pandemics in history began to sweep the globe and, like the coronavirus emerging 100 years later, ultimately killed millions. That spring, Hancock County Bank sold the Bank of Orleans to Whitney Bank (then named Whitney-Central Trust & Savings Bank) — the first business transaction between the two banks that would come full circle a century later. As the year neared its end, an armistice signed in Compiègne, France, at the 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month officially ended the “Great War,” World War I.
A year later, the first Armistice Day commemorated that occasion, evolving over the next 35 years as the November 11 Veterans Day federal holiday honoring all who served in the United States Armed Forces in war and peace.
A Legacy of Military Support
The region we serve has a rich history of contributions to safeguarding American freedom and remains home to countless military operations vital to U.S. defense. From our founding, our company has supported members of America’s military branches, recognizing and respecting their commitment to keeping our Nation safe and free.
During the two world wars, the bank sold war bonds; made loans to war contractors and manufacturers helping the country’s fight for freedom; extended banking hours for military personnel; and, rare during wartime, paid full interest on savings accounts.
We were the first bank to open a branch at what was then Gulfport’s army air field during World War II. Twenty-five years later, we established the first banking facility at any NASA site in the Nation at Stennis Space Center and a U.S. Naval Construction Battalion Center (Seabee Base) branch so those defending our homeland had easy access to banking.
When New Orleans — home of the famed Higgins boat landing craft so critical to Allied efforts in WWII — was selected as the site for the National D-Day Museum (now the National World War II Museum), our organization immediately embraced the effort and continues to sponsor museum activities honoring America’s military.
For us, doing what we can for those who secure our democracy has always been not only a great privilege but also a deeply felt duty.
Saluting Service that Keeps Us Strong
Unlike Memorial Day, a day of mourning for those fallen in service to our country, Veterans Day is a time to celebrate and appreciate those who served. At Hancock Whitney, we salute all of America’s veterans on Veterans Day and every day. We thank them and their families for the sacrifices they’ve made for all Americans. We remain proud and humbled by their patriotism in protecting fundamental liberties that allow us to live and choose freely.
This November 11, may we all make time to remember and thank the veterans we know and meet and, when we can, include them in gatherings with those who mean the most to us. Because of all who served in the U.S. military, we are able to succeed and stay strong together as communities and as a country, in both prosperity and adversity.
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