The first Saturday of every month, Packers President and CEO Ed Policy will write about a topic of interest to Packers fans and the organization and then answer fan questions. Fans are encouraged to email Ed with their name and hometown at: PolicysPerspective@packers.com.
I know many of you look forward to which salacious questions have rolled in over the last month, but with this month's first Saturday falling on the Fourth of July I figured we'd put a little different spin on things. Packers football and administration are in the midst of taking some downtime before we ramp up with our annual meeting of shareholders on Monday, July 27, at 1 p.m., and then the football season gets rolling with training camp on Wednesday, July 29, so this is admittedly one of the few times of year Lambeau Field is almost quiet...
That being said, I figured I'd take a moment to reflect on a few things and hold the questions until next month. First and foremost, happy Fourth of July. I hope everyone takes time with their families and loved ones to celebrate this special day.
The Fourth of July is a great day to reflect on our history. To think the American experiment has endured through all its ups and downs for 250 years is incredible. Those who came before us displayed enormous courage, strength, and vision. They had to fight for freedom and then create a system of government that could withstand centuries of expansion, innovation, political disagreement, and global conflict. Our story is awe inspiring. Even in our darkest days this structure of government was built to last. We were underdogs from the start, but this nation would never quit.
As I think about all that's happened in the 250 years of American history, to see the Packers have been a part of that history for nearly 107 years is beyond gratifying. Since we were founded in 1919, dozens of football teams in small midwestern manufacturing towns fell by the wayside as professional football became a big business and cultural juggernaut. While the Akron Indians, Canton Bulldogs, and Muncie Flyers struggled to compete and ultimately closed up shop, Green Bay refused to let the Packers die. Much like our nation, we were underdogs from the start but have overcome all odds to compete on the greatest stage.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Calhoun and Lambeau were fighting a life-or-death battle like Washington and the Continental Army in 1776. But Calhoun, Lambeau and all the leaders of the Packers organization have had common traits with those Founders – they were resilient and visionary. It's an indelible reminder of the responsibility the leaders of this organization have to this day, to be good stewards of our resources, staunch advocates, and fierce defenders of the Packers. If we do that well, we will continue to survive and thrive in the smallest market in pro sports to ensure we see America's 300th birthday.
Lastly, I frequently take time today to think about the sacrifices of the men and women in uniform to afford us the very freedoms we are celebrating. Just two weeks ago, the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight hosted many of our Packers alumni and local veterans for travel to Washington, D.C. I love that our team and players help be a small part of what is often a very cathartic day for the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country. Seeing footage of Austin Straubel packed to welcome them home never gets old. Watching that was another reminder of all that goes into making America what it is today.
We'll get back to our questions again in August and today I'll let you get back to your Fourth of July celebrations. I'm going to go enjoy an ice-cold Miller Lite and watch fireworks over the Fox River – I look forward to seeing you at the shareholders meeting or training camp.
