It can sometimes feel like Memorial Day is as much associated cookouts and days off of work as it is for its actual purpose. On May 27, we ask our membership to take time to focus on the purpose of this important day: paying tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for our freedom.

One way REALTORS^® can give back this Memorial Day is by donating to an organization focused on serving America’s military heroes. Virginia REALTORS^® proudly supports Homes For Our Troops, a non-profit committed to providing mortgage-free, specially adapted housing for the most severely injured Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. These customized homes offer these Veterans the chance to focus on recovering and enjoying time with their families. Each specially designed home offers features such as pull-down shelving and widened hallways for wheelchair access, depending on each Veteran’s needs.

Looking for other ways to engage with your community this Memorial Day? Across Virginia, a multitude of parades, ceremonies, and other events will be taking place to honor our nation’s fallen heroes. We encourage all REALTORS^® to engage with their clients and communities by taking part in these events. Did you know Portsmouth is hosting its 135^th Annual Memorial Day Parade on May 27^th?  The City of Falls Church is holding their Annual Memorial Day Parade and Festival, which they expect will bring more than 10,000 visitors.

No matter how you choose to honor America’s fallen heroes, be sure to keep your focus on their sacrifice.