On Friday, June 13 – the day before Flag Day – four volunteers from the Honor Guard at VFW Post 2995 in Redmond led a ceremony at the Seattle King County Realtors’ building in Bellevue near the I-90 and I-405 interchange. It was one of the most moving ceremonies I’ve ever witnessed.

The occasion commemorated the installation of a new 40-foot flagpole, a project funded by donations from more than 100 Realtors and affiliate members. At the base, inscribed bricks will be laid to recognize contributors.

Our new flagpole, which is visible to an estimated 200,000 motorists each day, is dedicated to our veterans. The Puget Sound region is enriched by a strong military presence and the services VFW Post 2995 provides to veterans, their families, and our community. As a small token of our appreciation, the first inscribed brick that will be placed will recognize VFW Post 2995.

On behalf of the 5,200 members of Seattle King County Realtors, I would like to publicly thank the volunteers from the honor guard who made our flag ceremony so meaningful and memorable: Jim Weaver, captain; Jennifer Masterjohn; Cecilia Maerz, chaplain; and Jeff Starkey. We also appreciate the assistance of honor guard member Jim Beatty, who was instrumental in organizing the dedication program.

Larry Christensen, 2014 president, Seattle King County Realtors, Bellevue