Opening remarks were made by Manufacturing Manager Nathan Sloan followed by a Presentation of the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance by Boy Scout Troop 223.

Purchasing Manager Randy Shockley performed a heart-warming invocation and following, a Moment of Silence was observed in honor of the lives lost in the terrorist attacks.

Doug Hagen, Founder and CEO, addressed more than 150 attendees with a stirring speech that not only remembered those who were lost on September 11^th but also highlighted the heroism of individuals who helped lead others to safety, at times sacrificing their own lives in the process. Hagen reiterated the founding principles of our great country and discussed the importance of solidarity and the American ideals of liberty, equality and justice.

This year two videos were presented. The first video, as viewed below, contains powerful biographies of three unique individuals who were unwittingly immersed in the Tuesday attacks in 2001. Their stories are told by employees from B-K Lighting, Star Finishes and Blue Dolphin Design & Engineering.

The second video highlights the annual donation to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund made possible by the B-K TEKA Gives Program. This program primarily involves Sales Representatives who have pledged to donate ½ of 1% of annual commission earnings to the Intrepid Fund with matching contributions from B-K Lighting + TEKA Illumination. This donation goes to help the IFHF continue construction and expand existing medical centers that treat veterans’ brain trauma and post-traumatic stress. This year’s donation was accepted by Intrepid President David Winters totaling $13,500.

This year also presented retired Army Sargent Justin Bond as its special guest speaker. Bond, who began serving his country when he was 18 years old, was wounded in the Battle of Fallujah when he was serving as part of the National Guard. During one of the many fire-fights in the battle an AK-47 round struck Bond passing through both legs completely destroying his left knee and severely wounding his right. Justin’s left leg was later amputated after doctors attempted some 33 surgeries to save it.

Justin is a passionate individual who doesn't shy away from challenges. When participating in a bowling fundraiser for airfare for families to visit wounded vets overseas he continuously bowled 1000 games in four days without sleep, breaking a world record. Justin also drove cross country some 2,956 miles on a Segway to raise awareness of the staggering amount of veteran suicides that occur each year. Justin is active veteran advocate, participates in Segs4Vets and founded his own charity Our Heroes’ Dreams which functions to reboot veterans’ mission in life following their service to our country.

Following Justin's amazing account of his wartime experiences, he relayed the importance of the work his organization achieves in preventing veteran suicide. Doug Hagen presented Our Hero's Dreams with a $5000 contribution and called on all employees across the entire B-K family to also contribute to the organization whether that be in treasure, skills or time.

Closing remarks were given by Marketing Manager Becky Carlson, followed by Removal of the Colors. The names of all the individuals who lost their lives on that tragic day in 2001 were displayed at the conclusion of the presentation.

Guests were provided with a pin with a name and location of a life lost on September 11^th. These pins were then placed upon a large map that is permanently displayed in the main hall at B-K Lighting. This map quickly illustrates the widely dispersed physical locations of lives impacted by the attacks, reminding all that the entire Union was affected by the events in New York, at the Pentagon and over the sky in Pennsylvania. It is for this reason we have pledged to Never Forget.

 “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundation of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America.” – President George W. Bush, September 11, 2001

We would like to thank our special guest Justin Bond for participating in this year's ceremony.

We also extend our gratitude to all of our B-K TEKA Gives Program participants: