In 1922, Henry Ford organized a cross-country caravan of 50 Model T Fords to take veterans to the annual DAV convention in San Francisco and began a relationship with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization that continues to this day.
Ford’s philosophy of inclusion was shared by his grandson, Henry Ford II. Near the end of World War II, and especially in its aftermath, numerous wounded and disabled veterans were flooding back into the workforce. Henry Ford II understood that persons with disabilities, including returning veterans, wanted and deserved an equal chance to work and provided it. In fact, Henry Ford II was a founding member of the National Business and Disability Council, long before the U.S. government enacted laws requiring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities.
With the upcoming 4th of July celebration I am reminded to be appreciative and give thanks to the service men and women of our great country. The 4th of July should not be about sales, barbeques or the three day weekend but rather the heroes whose lives were sacrificed so that we may enjoy your loves, our liberty and the freedom to pursue our dreams. While you spend this 4th of July weekend with your family please remember those families who have lost sons, daughters, husbands, wives, mothers and fathers while defending America. Were it not for our brave veterans, there would be no land of the free. Happy 4th of July from Gresham Ford!