Wal-Mart Salutes America's Servicemen and Servicewomen; Stores and Clubs Across the U.S. Recognize Veteran's Day

BENTONVILLE, Ark, Nov. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Americans searching today or tomorrow for a spot to honor the men and women who defend our country's freedom are invited to stop by a Wal-Mart store, Sam's Club or Neighborhood Market to recognize Veteran's Day. Across the nation, at more than 3,900 locations, Wal-Mart is extending its support deep into America's communities with local Veteran's Day tributes.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061110/DAF010 )

"Our goal at Wal-Mart is not only to honor and support America's soldiers and their families, but also to provide an example for others to do the same," said Ray Bracy, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, and former Navy pilot. "As a company with more than 3,000 associates on military leave of absence, Wal-Mart is committed to demonstrating our support for the brave individuals who serve this country."

For the past three weeks, Wal-Mart associates and customers have built "Walls of Honor" in local stores with photographs of soldiers who have served or are currently serving in the military. This program, now in its ninth year, has quickly become an annual tradition and symbol for thousands who bring to Wal-Mart stores the photos of those who protect our freedom.

Prompted by a suggestion from a store associate, a Wal-Mart store in Panama City, Florida, is taking a different approach for its Wall of Honor display. More than 50 submitted military photos were crafted into individual ornaments and hung from the ceiling -- ensuring that all shoppers would catch a glimpse of the Veteran's Day tribute. In Wapakoneta, Ohio, Wal-Mart associates this year created a special display to honor Lance Corporal Josh Hines, a Wal-Mart associate, who was killed in Iraq last month. And in Killeen, Texas, this year's Wal-Mart Wall of Honor display is once again a local attraction for Veteran's Day celebrations. The store, which is located near the Fort Hood military base, boasts a wall with more than 200 photos of soldiers with a tie to the local community.

"Supporting America's Veterans and active duty soldiers is something that is extremely important to our community," said Robert Sykes, Store Manager in Killeen. "Our associates really make the effort to reach out and support the local soldiers and their families -- and our community has responded. It makes me very proud."

Also this year, Wal-Mart is helping to send messages of support, hope and thanks to America's troops. With the assistance of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Foundation, Wal-Mart will send Message Books to our U.S. troops overseas during the 2006 Christmas season. Customers are also invited to stop by Wal-Mart stores and send messages to the troops through kiosks located in the jewelry department.

In addition, Wal-Mart-sponsored television and print spots will showcase the company's appreciation of U.S. Veterans. To view the television spots, which are currently running on network and cable television, visit http://www.walmartstores.com/ .

Supporting the Military

Wal-Mart has a long history of supporting America's troops and veterans. Here are some highlights of other military support activities:

* Helping boost the morale of deployed military members -- As a member of the "America Supports You" team, Wal-Mart is an active participant in a campaign that reaches Americans at home and military personnel around the world. The "America Supports You" initiative, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense, highlights the support and gratitude extended to the brave men and women serving in harms way. For more information, visit http://www.americasupportsyou.com/ . * Keeping families connected -- Through a nearly $1.5 million donation, the Wal-Mart Foundation partnered with Sesame Workshop, the organization behind Sesame Street, to develop bilingual (English/Spanish) outreach kits to help young children of the U.S. Armed Services, National Guard and Reserves deal with the various stresses of military life. * Awarding more than $3.7 million in grants -- In 2005, local Wal-Mart and Sam's Club locations awarded more than $3.7 million in grants to community Veterans' organizations, with more than $600,000 going to Veterans' groups that support our disabled veterans. * Supporting wounded warriors -- Through financial support to the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Outdoor Recreational Heritage Fund, Wal-Mart is helping to facilitate accessible traditional outdoor recreation for paralyzed veterans, their families and others with disabilities.

For more information about Wal-Mart and its strong support of military efforts, please visit http://www.walmartfoundation.org/ .

About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Every week, more than 176 million customers visit Wal-Mart stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, Sam's Clubs or a subsidiary location in 15 countries around the world. In each of the countries where Wal-Mart operates, the company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of operating globally and giving back locally. Wal-Mart is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $270 million to these local communities. To learn more, visit http://www.walmartfacts.com , http://www.walmart.com or http://www.walmartfoundation.org .