Wenatchee Downtown Association

Honoring our Heroes Banner Project Preface 2021 edition:

Linda HagLund Executive director, Wenatchee Downtown Association

Year 4 of this amazing project! 4 years we have been honoring heroes in our community in his significant way. I need to thank some people that made this effort possible this year: u The Wenatchee World. Compiling this booklet takes great effort on their part, further exemplifying the longstanding tradition and track record of generosity and heart towards this community. u Precision Waterjet, Plumb Perfect and NCW Appraisals. These three businesses AGAIN stepped up this year to help offset the price of the banners for the families who want to honor their heroes. 44 of the 100 banners hanging were supported this year by these three businesses. u NCW Vets Serving Vets “The Bunker” is the recipient of the money collected for this project after the production of the banners are paid. This incredible non profit is full of volunteers dedicated to helping our heroes. Specifically, George Turner, is the driving force that keeps the heroes stories coming. He makes the contacts and connects us to people that want to honor their hero with a banner. This is what it is because he cares so deeply in this cause. u GO USA and specifically Kyle Barns for taking challenging pictures and making them look AMAZING on banners.

u Finally, General Worden. When asked, he was gracious to provide a message from his heart for the preface letter, to not only honor the heroes in this booklet but all heroes in this region.

For all four years I can say that my life has been touched and changed by the stories of the heroes among us. I still go back to a very impactful moment in year 3 when a Vietnam hero standing in my office told me that this project represents to him “a long overdue welcome home.” That and other stories still can bring tears to my eyes. Please note the GOLD STAR heroes that are highlighted. I remember a quote I hear often “ALL gave some but some gave ALL.” As always, I would like to thank our heroes and their families for allowing their stories to be told. Without their compassion and dedication to our country to serve, there would be no stories. This project has become larger than even I hoped and dreamed it could be. At times, it has been a struggle. This project is a significant undertaking for our small Non Profit. I always push and worry to assure it will all get done in time. I still take encouragement from a quote from Abraham Lincoln: “The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just.”

For more information on how to honor your hero, call us at 509 662-0059 or email linda@wendowntown.org

From recognizing our brave men and women to remembering those we have lost. We honor and thank all who have served.