Aflac, the leading provider of voluntary insurance at the work site in the United States, celebrated the company's 60^thanniversary in style today as Chairman and CEO Dan Amos, along with executives and family, rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange. Aflac was officially founded on Nov. 17, 1955, by brothers John, Paul and William Amos, who saw a need for financial protection when an unexpected medical situation occurs. Listed as AFL, Aflac first appeared on the New York Stock Exchange in 1974. 

"When I think of the humble beginnings of our company in a six-room leased building in Columbus, Georgia, with only 16 employees and 60 sales agents, it is almost impossible to conceive where we are today," Amos said. "After 60 years, we are a Fortune 500 company with revenues at nearly $23 billion, employing more than 10,000 people in the United States and Japan, with more than one hundred thousand associates and brokers selling our products. Our founders were onto something back in 1955, and we are so proud to uphold the traditions they set forth 60 years ago."

In addition to the 60^th anniversary celebration, Aflac is also commemorating 40 years of serving policyholders in Japan as well as its 20-year relationship with the Aflac Cancer Center in Atlanta. Earlier this year, Aflac announced that it had exceeded $100 million in contributions to the fight against childhood cancer, much of which has been provided by the company's independent sales agents who donate directly from their commission checks.

Also on hand was the iconic Aflac Duck, who lent a wing in ringing the bell to end the week of trading at the Stock Exchange. This marks the third trip for the Aflac Duck there, his first trip being in 2010 to celebrate his 10^th birthday. Now a 15-year-old icon, the Duck is responsible for elevating Aflac's brand recognition to more than 90 percent from near single digits when the campaign was first introduced.