Thomas Edison had once opined that genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration!
In the realm of business, entrepreneurship and invention I would wholeheartedly agree.
However our 30-mile WWP Soldier Ride yesterday, to honor a fallen hero and to raise money for all of our other wounded heroes, was in fact 99% inspiration and only 1% perspiration!
Of course on a 30-mile ride up and down the hills of Long Island’s East End the members of the Hallmark Abstract Service Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride team perspired profusely, but the inspiration that we received dwarfed any physical exertion we put forth!
We were led on the first 15-miles of the Soldier Ride by upwards of 50 wounded veterans who had made significant personal sacrifices overseas to help ensure that we can live in freedom and continue to reach for the American dream here at home.
At the halfway point of the ride we heard of the incredible act of bravery by the days honoree, Lance Corporal Jordan C. Haerter. The soldier who told the story was introduced by Lance Corporal Haerter’s mother.
To summarize his story, in 2008 at the end of an alleyway in Ramadi, Iraq, he and a fellow Marine stood their ground and made the ultimate sacrifice that saved the lives of 33 fellow Marines and earned the pair the Navy Cross (‘This is what a hero looks like’).
By the stories end tears were clearly visible around the crowd.
We were then led over The Lance Corporal Jordan C. Haerter Veterans Memorial Bridge in Sag Harbor by the Wounded Warriors after which we continued on the final 15-mile leg of the ride to the finish line.
To see the Wounded Warriors persevere, overcoming both physical injuries as well as those injuries that can’t be seen by the naked eye, and to hear the two Marines story of selflessness, courage and honor, was an incredible inspiration to all of those who attended.
And, particularly for those of us who may never have served, it is an event well worth participating in next year!
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Written by Michael Haltman, President of Hallmark Abstract Service, New York.
HAS is a provider of title insurance in New York State for residential and commercial real estate transactions specializing in the areas of New York City, Long Island and Westchester.
Remember that you have the right to choose your own title company (click here to learn more)!
If you have any questions you can reach Michael by email at mhaltman@hallmarkabstractllc.com.
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