BLUE STAR BANNER – Message From The Mayor

We continue to see unprecedented momentum in our City by investing in our future, attracting and retaining jobs, and remaining committed to enhancing our neighborhoods.

As part of our efforts to win the future and work together as a community, I recently had the opportunity to host a recognition event to celebrate the safe return of the first recipient of a Blue Star Banner.

Brian Kiess works in the City’s Division of Public Works and recently returned home from deployment with the U.S. Army Reserve. I presented the Blue Star Banner to Brian to keep. He’s the first service member to have a banner displayed in his honor as part of the City’s new Blue Star Banner program, which recognizes City of Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed.

When a service member returns home, the banner is taken down and presented to the individual.

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Family and friends of deployed military personnel are encouraged to complete an application at www.cityoffortwayne.org/bluestarbanner. 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.

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.

In addition, our community is fortunate to have people who care about our City and where we’re headed.

My office recently had the privilege of hosting soccer star and Fort Wayne native DaMarcus Beasley. It was great to be able to recognize him with a proclamation for “DaMarcus Beasley Day” in the City of Fort Wayne.

In the 2014 FIFA World Cup, DaMarcus became the first American to play in four World Cups and the third person to be on four World Cup rosters. In addition, he ranks among career leaders in all-time appearances, goals, and assists as part of the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team.

What I’m most proud of is how DaMarcus has represented our country with dignity and professionalism, and he maintains a strong commitment to our community and dedicates himself to helping young people in our City learn soccer skills and the importance of good sportsmanship.