May 2014

Employee Spotlight’s Patriotic Edition: Meet 1-800-Flowers Military Heroes & Veterans

Veteran’s Day is the perfect time to salute the men and women who have dedicated their lives to defending the red, white and blue as everyone is getting into the Thanksgiving spirit. Although we may not realize it, military heroes/veterans live and work all around us. 1-800-Flowers.com has a few military heroes and military family members of our own! Meet the brave 1800Flowers military heroes, whom we proudly call our co-workers, and find out which patriotic flower arrangements are their favorite.

Meet John Ryan
Digital Leadership Senior Associate

John, who tackles new business challenges head-on with his team, joined the 1800Flowers family in December 2012. Before then, he served in the U.S. Army from 2003-2008, and then he served in the Army Reserves from 2009-2012.

Why He’s Proud to Be a U.S. Military Veteran:

“My wife and I share the same values as many military families. We’re loyal to each other and strive to be selfless with our loved ones. Though those qualities are not necessarily original, they are held extraordinarily high by military members and veterans. And that makes us feel like we are part of a special community.”

Favorite Patriotic Flower Arrangement: All White Lily Bouquet
“It’s traditional, pure and regal, like the army values.”

Meet Jeanne Braun
Receptionist

Jeanne, who has worked in sales, customer service, billing and reception here at 1800Flowers for the past 20 years, may not have served in the military herself, but she knows firsthand what it’s like to be part of a military family. Her son Billy has been serving in the U.S. Army since 2006 as Sargeant Telecommunications Specialist.

Why She’s Proud to Be the Mom of a U.S. Army Soldier:

“My son Billy keeps really busy and has been to Alaska, Iraq and Afghanistan, and is presently in Clarksville, Tenn. He is coming to New York sometime in the beginning of June for two weeks and will then be going to Germany for three years. Billy makes me proud that he is serving our country!”

Favorite Patriotic Flower Arrangement: Tie a Yellow Ribbon
“I really like this arrangement for any American holiday with the yellow ribbon and the red, white, and blue flowers.”

1800Flowers | USS Intrepid’s 2014 Memorial Day

Memorial Day is Monday, May 26, 2014 and is a day to remember America’s bravest who protect the United States of America.

Every year on the final Monday in May, men, women, and children gather to commemorate and salute the fallen heroes of the United States military. While Memorial Day originally started as a day of remembrance for those who died solely in the Civil War, the occasion has extended to include all of those who we have lost during their time in the military. Some choose to commemorate their military heroes by visiting cemeteries, attending parades, or by holding private gatherings in their home to pay tribute to their lost loved ones.

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum salutes our lost heroes in a yearly Memorial Day Ceremony. This honorary event is filled with red, white, and blue displays as well as educational activities for attendants of all ages. 1-800-Flowers.com is proud to continue its annual tradition in taking part in the Intrepid’s Memorial Day observances with floral wreath donations; a custom 1-800-Flowers.com has been part of for over a decade.
The actual event will take place on Memorial Day on May 26 2014 and is part of the Intrepid’s salute to Summer Fleet Week program. The event begins at 10:00 a.m at the USS Intrepid’s Pier 86 in New York City. This year’s activities include a “What is Memorial Day?” informational tour, as well as a special three-volley rifle salute and unfurling of a 100-foot American flag.

The spectacular wreaths proudly donated by 1-800-Flowers.com are featured in the observances and are specially created for this event. The wreaths are measured at over 30 inches in diameter and are adorned with freshly cut red, white, and blue flowers. They are then finished with a beautifully complementary bow and presented for all to see before they are customarily released into the water.

“It is truly an honor to participate in the annual Memorial Day Ceremony,” says Chris McCann, 1-800-Flowers.com President. “Our caring team is passionate about helping the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum honor and recognize our fallen soldiers each year.”

The Memorial Day event is free and open to the public. Attendees of all ages are welcome, so if you’re looking for a great way to honor the fallen American patriots, visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum on May 26, 2014! You can find more information on the event at IntrepidMuseum.org.

Just Because Messages for Every Relationship

There doesn’t have to be a reason to send a smile! Whether you want to show your appreciation for someone important in your life or to simply spread joy with a thoughtful gift or sentiment, sending a Just Because card or gift is the perfect way to put a smile on their face.

Just Because Message from Significant Other

Dear [name or nickname],
Each day with you is like a new adventure. Let’s celebrate today by making a whole new set of memories just because!
Love,
Your Name

Just Because Message from Child to Parent

Dear [Mom or Dad],
You’re the best! Who else would let me [stay up late to watch a scary movie / have breakfast for dinner / give the dog a haircut / insert your own]? I have a special [dessert/dish] planned for dinner tonight just because so save room!
Love,
Your Name

Just Because Message form Parent to child,

Dear [insert name here],
I wanted to send you a special something just because. Seeing you grow each day into a beautiful young [man or lady] fills me so much joy and happiness. I hope your day is as wonderful as you are!
Love,
[Mom or Dad]

Just because Message for Siblings

Dear [insert nick name here],
Since we share everything anyway, I wanted to take this chance today to share a smile with you just because! I’ll see you tonight for our nightly [pillow fight/ T.V show/ dessert time] – you bring the jokes, I’ll bring the snacks.
Love,
Your Name

Just Because Message for Friends

Dear [insert name here],
Who ever thought after that day in/at [insert place where you met] we’d become staples in each other’s lives. Just wanted to say thanks for being you..just because!
From,
Your Name

Just Because Message for Professionals

Benjamin Franklin once said “do not leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.” I wanted to take this chance to wish you a happy and healthy today for a successful tomorrow! just because
Sincerely,
Your Name

Just Because Message for a Long Distance Friend

Dear [insert name here],
I wanted to send you a little something special just because. You may not be here in body, but you sure are here in spirit! Each and every day is one day closer to when we can finally reunite and catch up on [mutually favorite show/ band/ book].
From,
Your Name

Just Because Message from a Group

Dear [insert name here],
Guess who is thinking of your today just because? [Insert all names here] – that’s a whole lotta love!
From,
The Gang

Just Because Message to a Civil Servant (Mailman, Bus Driver, Police Officer)

Dear [insert name here],
Hope your local [mailman / bus driver / police officer / insert title] is as amazing as mine! Here’s something to show my gratitude…just because!
From,
Your Name

Meet John RyanDigital Leadership Senior Associate