Ace Hardware Honors Fallen Heroes With 1 Million American Flags
It might seem like an unlikely place for great memories, but ACE Hardware will always hold a special place in my heart. I remember countless errands to ACE when I was a kid, and even as I grew, it was a regular errand destination. We’d go for lightbulbs, or screws, or small odds and ends. Unlike the big box stores with the sky high ceilings and endless aisles, ACE was also friendly, and even cozy…if you can call hardware cozy!
I remember employees always being available to help, and the atmosphere just felt warm. Now, I go to ACE with my own family, and we’ve experienced another incredible side of the business – the dedication to honoring members of the military. That’s why I’m excited to share ACE Hardware’s initiative (along with the VFW) to honor fallen soldiers this Memorial Day weekend.
Who is Ace Hardware?
Though you might only know ACE because of its selection of hammers and nails, the company has a stellar track record for building and improving communities around the world. The stores are locally owned and operated in over 70 countries, and the cooperative has been around since 1924. Though there are many other chains available to supply hardware needs, ACE has built a name for itself as being the highest in customer satisfaction. They’ve been top ranked by J.D. Power for their incredible customer service for twelve out of the last thirteen years. Even their slogan declares it’s “the helpful place.” Home improvement and repair can be intimidating, so a store that’s dedicated to guiding you through the process is a welcome change.
But ACE means more to me than just nuts and bolts. You also may not know ACE Hardware’s rich history of support for veterans. The name ACE doesn’t refer to an expert repairman; it’s actually a reference to the “flying aces,” or the team of fighter pilots from World War I. Since its founding, ACE has placed a high value on members of the military and the service they provide to our country. As a military spouse, this is always at the top of my list for companies to promote and patronize!
Ace Hardware & Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Because of this commitment to the community, it makes sense that ACE would team up with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to honor fallen heroes this Memorial Day holiday. The VFW unites eligible veterans and service members from the active, Guard and reserve forces to ensure that veterans are well cared for through programs, legislation, and service. Their tagline explains, “No one does more for veterans.” The VFW is congressionally chartered and remains a non-profit; it exists only for the benefit of those who have served our country.
Ace Hardware Honoring Fallen Heroes
This holiday weekend, ACE Hardware and the VFW are offering free American flags to each customer who shops in a participating ACE store on 5/29/21. The flags, each measuring 8” x 12”, are perfect for displaying in the yard or on a mailbox. For each flag given to a customer, another will be donated to a local VFW post to decorate the graves of fallen heroes. Last year during this initiative, 535,000 flags were given away to customers. Just come in to a participating location; no need to buy anything! There’s no purchase necessary, and flags will be given out as long as supplies last. This is a great opportunity to show your support of the military – both active service members and fallen heroes.
Ace Hardware Military Discount
Besides the Memorial Day initiative, ACE Hardware stores offer a military discount. Most stores participate, and you only have to show your military ID to receive 10% off most hardware items. As a military family, we are very appreciative of stores that offer discounts like these. When our sacrifices as service members and spouses are recognized in tangible ways, the benefits go far beyond simply saving some money on a hardware bill. We feel seen and valued, and this is why I’m so grateful for this Memorial Day initiative! Make sure you stop into an ACE Hardware this Saturday and display your flag proudly.
I’m so thrilled to be sharing this initiative with you today! The message of Memorial Day can easily be lost in the traditions of cookouts and pool parties, and it’s so important that the heroes who gave their all can be remembered in the proper way. Especially as pandemic restrictions lift across the country, and people are eager to celebrate with fireworks and friends, it’s critical that the meaning of the holiday does not get lost. Join us in memorializing fallen heroes this weekend!
