News release from the City of Fort Wayne:
Mayor Henry announces Blue Star Banner Program
City to recognize deployed service members; City employee first to be honored
Fort Wayne, Indiana (May 14, 2014) – Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced a new program designed to recognize the efforts of deployed service members. The Blue Star Banner Program will recognize City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed. The first service member to be honored is Command Sergeant Major Brian Kiess who is an actively deployed member of the Army Reserve and works in the City’s Division of Public Works. The banner for Kiess will be displayed beginning later this month.
Family and friends of deployed military personnel are encouraged to complete an application at https://cityoffortwayne.org/city-of-fort-wayne-blue-star-banner-program.html. Once the applications are reviewed, banners will be made and displayed on light poles along West Jefferson Boulevard from the Time Corners area to Swinney Park. Banners will be displayed through November and then removed during the winter months. Banners will be displayed each April-November.
Mayor Henry was joined at today’s announcement by the Kiess family, representatives from the Fort Wayne Base Community Council, Air National Guard, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, and the Fort Wayne Area Blue Star Mothers.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for us to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our service members,” said Mayor Henry. “The men and women on active deployment sacrifice so much for our freedom that a program such as the Blue Star Banner is a great way to highlight the efforts of the real heroes in our City.”
Individuals or companies interested in making a donation to the Blue Star Banner Program by being a sponsor may contact Karen Richards, Mayor’s Office, (260) 427-2146 and karen.richards@cityoffortwayne.org.
Fort Wayne’s efforts replicate a similar program in Lawrence, Ind. The City of Lawrence has a successful Blue Star Banner Program in place. City of Fort Wayne leaders recently met with Lawrence officials for input on starting a local program in Fort Wayne.
Read more Blue Star Banner posts on AroundFortWayne.com
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