Flag Raising

This week we had an issue with our flag pole. So we called Wilson Sign Company, in Dayton, to do a quick repair; wanting our US flag to be in place before Labor Day. 

Our On-site Maintenance Manager, Victor, a 15-year employee of the company, worked with Wilson Signs to properly mount the flag.  

It was a beautiful August day. The pictures turned out really nice.

Victor replaces our flag every four months.  It is 15 feet long by 25 feet wide.

Our Dayton, Ohio dealership has been around since 1975. Larry Harmon, the original owner, requested the flag and our second owner, Bill Golling, keeps it flying. 

We display the flag because our freedoms allow us to do business everyday. It is an honor to do business in America and sell American-Made automobiles.

We honor half-mast days, like the one ordered for Neil Armstrong on August 29, 2012 

The Flag is always flown with the stars in the top corner closest to the pole. There are 50 stars and thirteen stripes (7 red, 6 White) to symbolize the 50 states in the union and the 13 original colonies.

O say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Why yes it does. 

A Tribute to Our Fallen Soldiers and their Families

What would you do if your son told you he wanted to fight for our country? What did you do when he told you? James White Senior and his wife Robin supported their son in the Spring of 2006 when he left for his first deployment against Afghanistan, with the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) of the United States Army, in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was killed on August 11, when his platoon came in contact with enemy forces using rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fired during combat operations. Also lost in the attack were Spc. Rogelio R. Garza Jr. and Pfc. Andrew R. Small.

James, Sr & Robin's love and support for their son could not be expressed personally throughout the many years they should have had together, but they wanted to outwardly express their deep, undying love so they decorated their Dodge Magnum in his honor. Everyday, when they go about their routine, they see their son's face and remember his sacrifice for our freedom.

Their determination doesn't stop. James and Robin wanted to give tribute to the other soldiers who gave their lives fighting for our freedom. They knew that if they had to live without James Junior that there were many other families having to endure the same pain and pride simultaneously. They began adding names to their tribute to show everyone they encountered how many soldiers have given their lives and how many families miss them each day. The names on their car only begin to reflect all the lives that have been taken by our military efforts. 

Sometimes I hear people say, "don't forget," but until I saw all these names, I didn't really know the impact...it seems so far away, but thousands of Americans have died and thousands of families have been effected. Am I reminded everyday what our troops are experiencing? Have I made an effort everyday to honor these lives? James, Sr. and Robin raised my awareness. My prayers go out to all the soldiers and to all the families who miss them.

Golling's Arena Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is starting a fund to help our Military-Family customers with their service costs. For each "Like" the Golling's Arena Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Facebook page, www.facebook.com/gogollings, from September 1-September 30, we will give $1.00 to this fund. The raised funds will be available to military families who need extra assistance in maintaining their vehicles. We are glad to serve many military families and want to express our appreciation for their efforts. 

Dog Caravan

Is this a Dodge Caravan or a Dog Caravan? Does your pet like to ride with you? This is Ace, and he's in his favorite spot. He knows when to hop in. Big Dogs, small dogs in between dogs love to get in the car. They don't even care where they go. Hanging their head out the window and feeling the breeze...aahh, that's the life. When it's hot out, it's hard to bring a pet in the car, but they don't care. They don't want to stay home alone. They want to join the family. Do you have a photo of your pet riding along? Send it to us at gollingsdayton@gmail.com.

Chrysler Keys: 1970 to 2012

Isn't it fun when you're to be in the right place at the right time? Darell, a junior at Kentucky State University, came to Gollling's Arena Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Dayton, Ohio to purchase his very own car before going back to school. I spoke with the family for awhile. His father showed me his first set of keys from his first car, which was a Chrysler (I think it was a Barracuda). Isn't it amazing how much something as simple as a key has changed in 42 years? His keys were from 1970. The car is long gone, but he still carries his keys on is key chain. The metal keys in the photo operate the ignition and lock/unlock all the doors (round key was for the trunk). The "key" from a 2012 Chrysler also operates the ignition, locks/unlocks the doors, opens the trunk remotely AND starts the engine from about 100 yards away. The panic button starts the horn to call for help (or find your car in a large, crowded parking lot.)