Memorial Day is a time to pause, reflect, and honor the men and women who served with courage, sacrifice, and dedication.

For Chemical Concepts, this remembrance is also personal.

The values that shaped Chemical Concepts began long before the company itself — rooted in the life and service of our founder, C. Kenneth Zelle.

At just 17 years old, Kenneth volunteered for the Army. After training in Mississippi, he traveled to Europe aboard the Queen Mary and served with the 79th Infantry Division, 315th Battalion. On June 12, 1944 — D+6 — he landed at Omaha Beach, witnessing the aftermath of one of the most difficult and consequential operations of the war.

As his unit advanced toward Cherbourg, Kenneth served as a gunnery man and fought through trenches until a German grenade explosion wounded him with shrapnel. He was treated in England and made a full recovery.

Following his recovery, Kenneth served under General Eisenhower’s SHAEF Headquarters before joining a battalion tasked with guarding Allied supply trains and preventing black market trade. His fluency in German ultimately earned him a promotion to Sergeant in the Military Police.

After the war, Kenneth remained in Belgium for a time, where he stayed at a military hotel, traveled, and reunited with family.

Kenneth’s life reflected dedication, hard work, adaptability, and service — values that continue to influence Chemical Concepts and the people behind it.

This Memorial Day, we honor C. Kenneth Zelle and all who served.

Thank you for your service.

Honoring all who served
Happy Memorial Day.