U-Haul to Honor Veterans, Sponsor Pearl Harbor 75th Commemoration
Founded by a WWII Navy Veteran, U-Haul is the Presenting Veterans Sponsor of the Opening Gala on Dec. 3
PHOENIX, Ariz. and HONOLULU, Hawaii (Nov. 29, 2016) — U-Haul International, Inc. is pleased to announce its commitment to honoring and remembering World War II veterans with its gold-level sponsorship of the 75th commemoration of the Attack on Pearl Harbor.
In the coming days, the remaining survivors of the Dec. 7, 1941 attack will reunite in Oahu to take part in the official events leading up to this milestone anniversary. U-Haul will serve as the Presenting Veterans Sponsor of the Opening Gala on Dec. 3. Furthermore, its commitment will assist veterans and their families making the trip to Pearl Harbor.
Watch Joe Shoen’s video to Pearl Harbor and WWII veterans: uhaul.com/about/veterans.
WWII Navy veteran L.S. “Sam” Shoen and his wife, Anna Mary Carty Shoen, started U-Haul in 1945 nearly four years after Japan’s bombing of Pearl Harbor pulled America into battle. Veterans not only laid the foundation for U-Haul and its vast neighborhood dealer network, but they constituted many of the Company’s first and most loyal customers after returning home and requiring one-way trailer rentals to move their families.
“Our decision to get directly involved with honoring our Pearl Harbor veterans on the 75th anniversary falls in line with who we are and what we stand for,” said Stuart Shoen, U-Haul Executive Vice President. “Veterans, like my grandfather, helped build U-Haul into an industry leader by meeting a basic need at a low cost. Our commitment to hiring and helping veterans has never been stronger than it is today.”
Edward J. “Joe” Shoen, Chairman and CEO of AMERCO, parent company of U-Haul, will attend the “For Love of Country – Pass It On” Opening Gala at the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor as well as other commemoration events with his family.
The list of VIPs slated to attend Pearl Harbor 75th commemoration events includes distinguished military leaders; congressional members; governors; mayors; community leaders; and acclaimed actor and veteran supporter Gary Sinise, who will speak at the Opening Gala.
“U-Haul Company’s sponsorship brings about awareness, helping all Americans understand this is a date that should be remembered,” said Adm. Thomas Fargo, U.S. Navy (Retired), Chairman of the 75th Commemoration Committee. “We have the opportunity to transition that remembrance into inspiration. Two million people a year visit Hawaii’s historic sites. The idea that we’re spreading news of this historic anniversary, honoring our veterans and helping people remember this occurrence is important.”
The commemoration has added meaning for Arizona-based U-Haul. Its corporate towers are in Phoenix, Technical Center in Tempe and new manufacturing plant in Glendale. The USS Arizona Memorial, a tribute to its 1,177 crewmen lost, is the top visitor destination in Hawaii.
U-Haul showcased the “Remember Pearl Harbor 75” logo on its U.S. Navy SuperGraphics truck in the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade this month. U-Haul has been recognized repeatedly as one of the top U.S. veteran-friendly employers and achieved a militaryfriendly.com ranking of No. 13 in 2014.
In addition, U-Haul proudly sponsors The Tribute Journey with Gold Star Mother and artist Kathryn Cross, who hand delivers her custom-made greeting cards to current military service members and veterans in VA Hospitals.
On behalf of a grateful company, U-Haul would like to thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice.
About U-Haul
Contact:
Jeff Lockridge
Sebastien Reyes
E-mail: publicrelations@uhaul.com
Phone: 602-263-6194
Website: uhaul.com 
