Honoring Service, Sacrifice, and Legacy
Each year on Memorial Day, our nation pauses to remember and honor the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to our country. It's a solemn day of reflection—a moment to recognize the cost of our freedoms and to reaffirm our gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
At the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, this remembrance is deeply personal. Through the work of our Veterans Business Council, we remain committed not only to honoring those who served and sacrificed but also to supporting the veterans who continue to strengthen our community today—as business owners, community leaders, mentors, and neighbors.
Memorial Day: A Moment of National Unity and Local Reflection
Though often associated with the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day is rooted in profound reverence. First established in the aftermath of the Civil War and later expanded to honor all U.S. military personnel who died in all wars, Memorial Day is a reminder that our liberties were—and continue to be—defended by those willing to put their lives on the line.
In Gilbert, we take this reflection to heart. Our flags fly at half-staff. Local ceremonies mark the occasion. And in homes and hearts across our town, families remember loved ones lost and rededicate themselves to living in a way that honors their legacy.
The Veterans Business Council: Service Beyond the Uniform
The Veterans Business Council (VBC), a committee of the Gilbert Chamber Foundation, is built on the principle that service doesn’t end when military duty does. The VBC provides a platform for veteran entrepreneurs and professionals to connect, grow, and give back. It also seeks to amplify the unique leadership, resilience, and innovation that veterans bring to the business community.
Whether it's through networking events, resource sharing, peer mentorship, or philanthropic initiatives, the VBC ensures that those who served continue to have opportunities to lead with purpose and create impact.
Why This Work Matters—Especially Now
On Memorial Day, we not only remember those who died in service—we also recommit to caring for those who return home. That means ensuring our veterans have access to the resources, respect, and recognition they’ve earned.
The Veterans Business Council helps make this possible by:
- Creating Community: Connecting veterans with like-minded peers who understand the shared experience of military service.
- Promoting Growth: Supporting veteran-owned businesses through promotion, education, and advocacy.
- Fostering Legacy: Keeping alive the stories of those who served, ensuring that future generations understand the cost of freedom.
A Living Tribute
Our work at the Chamber is, in many ways, a living tribute to those who gave their lives. Every time a veteran starts a business, mentors a young professional, or shares their leadership in our community, it speaks to the enduring spirit of service that defines our nation.
As we honor Memorial Day, we also invite the Gilbert community to reflect on how we carry that spirit forward—not just with parades and tributes, but through action, inclusion, and sustained support for those who served.
This Memorial Day, we remember the fallen. We uplift the living. And through the Veterans Business Council, we continue the mission—together.