Firemen wear red to support Heart of Marine Foundation
The Rolling Meadows Professional Firefighters' Association is seeing red.
Not in the blaze of a fire, but in the intensity of remembering our troops.
On Oct. 15, the Rolling Meadows Fire Department Fire Station 16 conducted its annual open house. Along with station tours and lifesaving demonstrations, the open house also began its “Red Shirt Friday” campaign. Red T-shirts were on sale at the open house and are to be worn each Friday until all of our troops are safely home.
The red tees, produced by the fire department, are logoed with a firefighter and military member. All proceeds from the shirts will benefit The Heart Of A Marine Foundation.
“We are honored and thrilled for this opportunity,” said Barbara Matsukes, director of marketing and public relations for The Heart of A Marine Foundation, “not only for the fundraising aspect of this event, but for the collaboration with the Rolling Meadows Professional Firefighters. Like our military they place their lives on the line each day. To have their support is unbelievable.”
Ryan Lettieri, Rolling Meadows firefighter said, “The partnership was a natural. The Rolling Meadows Professional Firefighters Association heard of The Heart Of A Marine Foundation and the work they are accomplishing; there was no question. We are privileged to be a part of this.”
Wearing red shirts on Friday began in 2005, to symbolize commitment to our military still serving, and to remember those who gave their lives in the defense of our nation.
“Until each son and daughter comes home, we will remember them in this way,” said Georgette Frank, Gold Star Mom and co-founder of The Heart Of A Marine Foundation. Georgette's son Phil, was killed in action in 2004. “This is a small, but effective way to support our military and show them that they will never be forgotten,” Georgette added.
The “red shirt Friday” T-shirts are still available. Cost of the shirts is $15.
To purchase the red T-shirts, contact rmredshirts@gmail.com.
For information regarding The Heart Of A Marine Foundation, visit www.heartofamarine.org or call (847) 621-7324.
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