From the front lines to the furnace: Aluminum’s role in American resilience

Memorial Day is not just the start of summer. It is a time to remember the men and women who gave their lives for this country. That deserves a pause. It also gives us a moment to reflect on the materials and industries that have supported American strength, both in wartime and in peace. Aluminum is one of them.

During World War II, aluminum was mission critical. Fighter planes, bombers, tanks, naval vessels. And it was not just government and industry pulling together. Families across the country donated pots, pans, and foil. That metal was melted down and sent into battle. The war effort was not just about soldiers. It was about supply chains. Everyone contributed.

Today, aluminum still plays a role in national security and economic resilience. The difference now is we are not relying on raw material from halfway around the world. The secondary aluminum industry, collection, processing, remelting, keeps the metal flowing right here at home. It supports domestic auto production, infrastructure upgrades, and EV battery supply chains. That is not a stretch. That is reality.

With global instability rising and the need for secure supply chains more urgent than ever, recycled and secondary aluminum is no longer just an environmental choice. It is a strategic one. Every pound recovered and remelted here is one less pound we need to import. That is good for business and good for the country.

During the war, Americans bought bonds and saved foil because it was patriotic. Today, we have a chance to honor that spirit by building a circular, domestic metals industry. That means investing in facilities, expanding processing capacity, and pushing for smarter policies on public specs and export bans. It means seeing aluminum not just as a commodity, but as a resource with national value.

This Memorial Day, we remember the people who gave everything for this country. We also remember what it takes to keep this country strong. Aluminum may not wear a uniform, but it has always been part of the story. And the work we do in this industry, recovering it, processing it, using it here at home, that matters. It is not just good business. It is good for the country. Simple as that.