I’d like to give you a short update of our progress and success since the program’s inception in 2017. We are a 501 © (3) organization and to date have been able to honor 143 active duty members of the military from Crystal Lake for their service to our nation. This number includes city government employees who are also actively serving.
We have participated in various activities so that the mission of our program will become visible to a greater number of CL residents. Besides displaying 6’X3’ personalized banners along Heroes Row on Rt. 14, which are later given to the families free of charge, we have displayed banners in local businesses , we have had a presence at the Johnny Appleseed Festival, and have been in several 4th of July parades which we will be in do again this year. We are very grateful to the Patriot Run organization this year for allowing us to be a beneficiary of the funds raised from the event on June 23rd at Veterans Acres. On June 29th we will participate in the Colonel Palmer House “Home of the Brade Heritage Fest.” While honoring our Heroes is our goal, we also have a mission to educate the civilian population about the lives our active duty military members lead. The activities we’ve participated in along with our website and Facebook page introduced the program to people who may not have otherwise known about it.
Since leaving Afghanistan, the military has not been on the nightly news as once was the case. Someone is always Somewhere……sometimes, Somewhere is a dangerous area or situation. No matter where our service members are, they are always serving and sacrificing. They miss family events, holidays, birthdays, and funerals. It means a great deal to the families that their loved ones are remembered and appreciated by the city they call home. They are also grateful when people remember the families at home, in their own way, also serve.
Thank you for your unfailing support of the Blue Star Banner Program.
