F&A: It really was emotional visiting the memorial. It was something I felt I wanted to do, almost needed to do, I have such a bond with the city of Las Vegas and it’s people. I wanted to show my respects. That is one of the two memorial sites that they have currently. I believe, at some point, they’re going to be getting rid of it, which leads to another discussion down the road. The mood there was sombre, mostly respectful. There were also some people who were posing for their standard Vegas picture, in front of the ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign, and they were kind of gleeful and silly and it was this weird, odd juxtaposition. Not everyone has the connection to the city that some of us do, so even though at first I thought it was disrespectful, I understand they're there to have a good time and some fun. Many people feel that memorial, at this point, three or four weeks out, should be moved to a more secluded and private area so the city can get back to what it was. Mostly what I experienced in the city over the Halloween weekend was a good time. Barely anybody acknowledged what had happened, which I think rightfully so. At some point, the city does have to move on and get back to the business of fun and gambling.
Q: Your sense is that it’s ‘Vegas Strong, Vegas Together,’ which was printed on a few of the signs at the memorial. You think the city is moving on?
F&A: I think so. Out of courtesy the city has left the memorial there for tourists who’d like to visit the site. I feel like the city is trying to pull itself back together and move on. It’s a difficult topic to discuss. It hit me very hard, more than it probably should have considering I’m not a resident there. But considering the loss of lives you know. The 58 people who passed away. For me, seeing the 58 white crosses for each one of the victims lost, by the neon sign, seeing the sheer number of them? That really hit home. I’ll admit I shed a few tears. I’m getting choked up right now even just remembering it. It’s definitely an emotional site and worth going to. Difficult too. I’m very happy I went there with a few friends, so afterwards we could kind of lean on each and discuss our feelings in the car on the drive back.
Q: For guys like you and me Vegas is a regular stop, a regular destination, and of course it hits home. It could have been anyone of us at that concert. Let’s hope it gets back to being the party town that we all love.
F&A: Yeah, let’s call it what it is. It’s a party town, it’s a gambling town, it’s a good time town. At a certain point, not to disrespect those who passed, the city does need to move on and get back to what it’s known for. Whatever may or may not have happened, in terms of the official story, doesn’t make up for the people who passed away that night. It’s the people that matter. Fifty-eight crosses representing 58 people, that’s what it’s about.
Q: Now, you’ve started a campaign of random kindness in memory of these victims, is that correct?
F&A: I know this tragedy comes at the tail end of many other tragedies that have preceded it, whether it be Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and people may be tapped out. So, one thing I thought to do, if you are frustrated and feel like you want to contribute to the world in some positive way, go out an do an act of kindness for each one of the victims who passed in Las Vegas. I started this hashtag #58ActsOfRandomKindness. I don’t know how long it’s going to take me, cause I don’t get out much, so this might take me a while, but I’m heading out into the world and doing random acts of kindness, for strangers. I’m just letting them know why I’m doing it. Just saying, ‘I think the world could be a better place and if you feel like you can pay it forward.’ Just doing nice things for strangers. Right now, I’m on six acts of random kindness. I just paid for an Uber for a woman who needed to get to the mall. I have also changed a tire. You don’t necessarily need money to do this. Hold a door open for someone. Let someone in front of you in line at the grocery store. It could be simple things. I feel like if we get out there and start spreading a little of kindness toward strangers it will improve our communities, our neighbourhoods, and, if it spreads, maybe even further.
Q: The hashtag is #58RandomActsOfKindness and you gotta check out the podcast folks at facesandaceslv.com. On twitter he is @facesandaceslv and he is fantastic host. Chris thank-you!
F&A: it was great to be on again Derrick.
Faces & Aces Las Vegas Podcast Thank-you!
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Faces & Aces Las Vegas Podcast
Host Visits Memorial Site & Gets Emotional
Full audio of this Q&A HERE Part 1 of this interview HERE
Q: I hate to bring it up but Las Vegas is still recovering from that deadly mass shooting a month ago, October 1st, 2017, a bloody Sunday. i know you visited the memorial at the iconic 'Welcome to Las Vegas' sign. What are your thoughts on what happened that night and what was it like visiting the memorial, a site where many tears have been shed? It’s a pretty emotional time there.
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