The word 'unprecedented' is being used more recently than we'd like, and probably more than we've used in our lifetime. In our current situation, which is surreal to all of us, we are taking it day-by-day and working hard to accomplish our mission. As we prepare for what has been predicted to come, and witness the tragedy many parts of our world are facing, we hear the same common descriptions: "It is like a movie," "We are living a nightmare," and "I simply cannot believe this." The truth is, none of us can believe it. We have never lived through a time like we are facing now.
On a national and global level, we are attempting to put the safety of our people first – friends, family, community, and customers – to the detriment of the markets and economy. The integrity behind such difficult decisions was driven by a unified moral compass to do what is right. We have put the value of human life before the markets, knowing the markets will eventually come back. This will be the part of history that forces our core values more than ever before.
Much like the first responders worldwide working around the clock, our Government Services teams are strongly committed to our global mission, protecting our U.S. personnel, property, and assets worldwide—keeping our nation safe on a higher level. Our mission does not stop or slow in the face of adversity. I am proud of how our leaders have planned for and mitigated against the unpredictable future and ongoing threat from COVID-19. Our decisions have been driven by our unwavering belief in our core values of Safety, Diversity, Integrity and Success.
While we work to support the mission, either remotely or on the front lines, we sincerely thank our teams for their perseverance and strength during this tumultuous time in history. Working in the digital age, I consider us lucky with the ability to stay close as working communities using our advanced video teleconferencing (VTC) systems to virtually meet face-to-face, allowing us to collaborate and break through the isolation. We are hopeful that with the strong response to establish natural barriers with social distancing, sheltering in place, and strict quarantines, this will cycle through faster than predicted.
Day & Zimmermann has been operating nearly 120 years in the United States, having lived through the Spanish Flu, several wars, and market downturns. We will rise above this together. For now, take care of yourselves and each other. We will get through this, but we will never forget the journey— the compassion, integrity, community, and teamwork—it took to survive.
Please stay safe,
Steven G. Selfridge
President | SOC
