MERRILLVILLE – Centier Bank celebrates Veterans Day by hosting a morning ceremony to honor and celebrate service men and women in the United States military. The occasion was commemorated with a color guard presentation and vocal soloist, as more than 435 relatives were personally honored during the mid-day ceremony for Centier associates and their family members.
This is the seventh year that Centier has hosted a Veteran’s Day event for its associates. During the ceremony, Centier Bank Director of Investment Services, Anthony Contrucci, led guests in reciting the pledge of allegiance as the American flag was presented by the color guard of the Women’s Auxiliary from the 1st American Legion. Next, Captain Dean Larson, U.S. Navy (Retired), a representative from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Department of Defense office, acknowledged Centier Bank for publicly supporting its military service members.
“Supportive employers are more critical than ever to our national defense,” stated Larson. “Since 1972, the ESGR committee has been working to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of the members of the National Guard and Reserve. I am very proud of Centier, my bank.”
A Statement of Support certificate was provided to each of Centier’s 52 branches and was proudly displayed in branches the week of November 9th. Centier’s statement of support pledges that:
*Centier fully recognizes, honors, and complies with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Right Act (USERRA).
*Centier will provide managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
*Centier appreciates the values, leadership and unique skills Service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to employ Guardsmen, reservists, transitioning Service members and Veterans.
*Centeir will continually recognize and support our country’s Service members and their families in peace, in crisis, and in war.
“By signing the Statement of Support, Centier Bank sends a clear message they stand committed to their military employees and recognize the integrity, global perspective and leadership abilities they bring to the workplace, “stated Steve Lynch, State Chair, Indiana ESGR.
“As a family organization, we have many guardsmen, reservists, and veterans among our associates and their extended family who have made their mark in history by courageously and selflessly defending our great nation,” stated Darrell Jaggers, an Army Veteran and Senior Partner of Centier Bank “Our corporate vow of support means so much to service men and women who have clearly made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. They continue to put their lives on the line to defend civil liberties and freedom for the United States of America.”
