End of WWII: The Rebirth of Our Country and Our Family Business

In January of 1942, my grandpa and his brothers Rich and Norm inherited a small coal delivery business from their immigrant father. Later that year, all three brothers were drafted to serve our country during the war. The small business closed down for almost three years. 

On September 2, 1945, 75 years ago today, World War II officially ended. My grandpa, his two brothers and so many other Americans were free to come home. 

In some respects, today could be considered our company’s 75th anniversary. After having been closed down, it had a rebirth after the war. When the brothers returned home and began bringing the business back to life, they had a renewed sense of humility and gratitude for the country they had put their lives on the line for and their coworkers, customers and community they were called to serve. It was one of the reasons they went with the red and white striped color scheme on the concrete mixer trucks. I’m grateful that this spirit is embedded deeply into the DNA of Ozinga, 75 years later. 

We as the grandchildren of “the Greatest Generation” get to stand on their shoulders. It gives us a sense of honor and duty knowing our heritage and the sacrifices that were made have benefitted future generations. This is not to idolize them or say that they were perfect. But they responded well in a time of crisis and we are the recipients of their courage and their dedication to God, country, family and community. 

Although it is very different from a war, we are presently in a time of worldwide crisis. The COVID pandemic is affecting our entire world. We are in the midst of being tested in ways that are unprecedented. How will we respond? How will we be remembered? What legacy are we leaving our children’s children? These are questions I ask myself a lot lately. 

On this day to celebrate this very important milestone of our world, I want to express my gratitude to those who have gone before us as well as those who are at work with us in the present. We have a lot of work yet to do and I’m confident that when we work together, we can have a positive impact that will leave a legacy that will benefit future generations. 

Thank you to our coworkers, our customers and communities. We are honored to serve you in this moment. 

Keep fighting the good fight!