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Red Day was truly proud for me - Don't forget as Memorial Day comes

By
Real Estate Agent with Ostrander Real Estate Group

Today was a Red-Letter day, but not in the way you think.  Every year, Keller Williams (KW) agents nationwide take pause from our busy schedules and does a volunteer project in our communities.  Each year gives its own sense of pride from working in a rescue mission to fixing meals for homeless - and always wearing our red t-shirts saying Give Where You Live.  This year's pride had a different feeling - patriotic pride and humble appreciation.

This year, on KW's Red Day, I was proud to help set up the traveling exhibit of the Vietnam War Memorial.  Working along side veterans, firefighters, and other KW volunteers, the project gave us a chance to reflect on what we were looking at and experiencing.  It was somber looking at over 58,000+ names on dozens of panels, each one a son or brother, husband or uncle.  It reminded of walking past the original in Washington D.C. years ago and deciding to stop at a panel and look at some names.  My eyes were shocked to be staring at my own last name.  Say what?  In fact, when asked what are the chances of such an odd occurence, I can tell you - 1 in 58,000 because there is ONLY one Ostrander on that Memorial - pretty wild that I would casually see it right when I decided to look.  I accept that as fate and not an accident.  So, I was very proud to be helping with this project today, meeting and talking with some of the veterans who truly have a story to share.

It also reminded me of my own father who served, who was so excited to come home and have a son of his own.  Or of my daughter, who as a child, absolutely LOVED putting on her deceased grandfather's military hat as a way of being connected to someone she never met.  So, I would encourage you to find out when this exhibit will be in your area and go visit.  It will be something you won't forget.

So, as we approach Memorial Day, let us never forget the Veterans who have given their lives so we might experience the freedom we enjoy today.  Thank you to all who served.

Posted by
Andrew Ostrander
Ostrander Real Estate Group
Keller Williams Realty
480-229-6999 Cell
480-295-7608 Fax
 
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Show All Comments Sort:
Chris Hayes
Keller Williams Realty Northwest LA - Shreveport, LA
Your Shreveport/Bossier Real Estate Partner

I'm a KW agent to and we spent Red Day at Shriners Hospital entertaining the kids.  Your story is a powerful reminder of how important it is to take time out of our busy lives to learn about the lives of others.

May 15, 2013 05:36 AM
Adrian Kindred
Keller Williams Arizona Realty - Phoenix, AZ
Red Day was truly a humbling experience! I'm glad you took Red Day to volunteer for something that is near and dear to your. I was at the Phoenix Rescue Mission, and appreciate the work they do for the community. Thanks for your Red Day service, and sharing your story.
May 15, 2013 10:55 AM
Richard Iarossi
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Crofton, MD
Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate

Andrew,

The Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC, is one of the most moving memorials anywhere. I haven't seen the traveling one, but if it contains all the 58K names, it will give people viewing it time to pause. The silent message is profound.

Rich

May 15, 2013 04:34 PM
Andrew Ostrander
Ostrander Real Estate Group - Phoenix, AZ
Ostrander Real Estate Group

Richard - Yes, it did contain the full 58,000+ names and was a somber reminder each of those names is someone's son, brother, uncle or father. 

Adrian - Ironically, I was at that location you worked last year and really enjoyed providing their lunches and later all the water we donated to them.  Thanks for helping.

Chris - I am glad you had a fulfilling day like we did.

May 16, 2013 10:45 AM