Northrop Grumman celebrates America Day
With help from special guests and active military, Northrop Grumman celebrated its 21st annual America Day on Friday, recognizing the nation's birthday along with the contributions of more than 2,000 employees at the global security company's Rolling Meadows facility.
What is usually a large outdoor event for the company moved inside as special guests and top company employees recognized service members and the company's contribution to the war effort. Northrop Grumman is a major global security company and the largest defense contractor in Illinois.
“Today is about the celebration of what we do and what we have to keep doing to maintain our freedom in this country,” said Jeffrey Palombo, sector vice president and general manager of the land and self protection systems division. “It's so important for the community to know what's in their backyard.”
Engineers at Northrop Grumman create systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems and technical services for government and commercial customers worldwide.
Palombo asked all the veterans, active service members and families of veterans to stand and be recognized because, as he said, “no matter how many times you do this, it'll never be enough.”
Employees heard from Maj. Gen. Dennis Celletti, assistant adjutant general of the Illinois Army National Guard, about how much their work means to the troops on the ground.
“The technology you give us is critical for us to do what we need to do and win our battles,” Celletti told employees.
Another of the honored guests, Lt. Col. Chris Brown, talked about the team aspect of the military, which he said is also important at Northrop Grumman.
“The first team I knew about as a kid was being an American. After 24 years as a soldier, I know it's all about being a part of the team, being a part of something greater, and the employees here are all a part of something greater as well,” Brown said.
Michael Ayers, executive vice president of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, called Northrop Grumman a role model company for its track record of employing current and former service members and supporting their families.
While the event was a way to celebrate Independence Day and the work done at Northrop Grumman, officials asked employees to reflect on the solemn reason they have to keep up the good work.
“Sometimes you come to work here and that flag is at half staff because we've lost a hero in Illinois,” Palombo said.
“On the Fourth of July just remember that there are 250 Illinois service members who've lost their lives since the last decade, 34 of those national guard and one air national guard,” Celletti said. “Keep them in your minds during the celebration next week.”