GR commemorative centerpiece program to honor service members

One women’s idea of creating centerpieces to honor service members, has started a new program.

The American Legion Auxiliary Tom Whitmore Post 28 of Green River will launch a commemorative centerpiece program to honor veterans and active duty military personal.

Auxiliary member Judith Killion said the auxiliary is an organization dedicated to supporting its veterans, active duty military and the communities in which they live.  

With this mission in mind, Killion started thinking about different ways the organization could honor service members.

Killion said she first came up with the idea of the centerpieces for the Fourth of July when she thought about making some to honor servicemen and servicewomen. The idea just evolved from there.

“This is my idea. It is an original idea. As far as I know, it has not been done anywhere else. I made a couple of prototypes, took them to an auxiliary meeting and presented the idea to our group,” she said. “They liked it.”

She then designed an order form and is in the process of trying to get the word out about ordering the centerpieces.

Individuals can purchase a centerpiece that will be personalized with the name of the veteran or active duty service member being honored, the individual’s branch of service and dates of service.  Killion said the auxiliary will become the caretaker of these centerpieces and will use them to decorate the local post, restaurants and businesses during patriotic holidays and celebration periods, including Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, July 4th, election days and Presidents Day.

Killion said if residents want a centerpiece of their own, they can simply order a second one and pay for them both.

“It is a way to visually and continually honor and remember those who have given military service to our country and to say thank you,” Killian said. “It is a small token of remembering and honoring someone for helping preserve what we take for granted and enjoy every day -- the rights and freedoms of an American.

Killian said the intent is that those who see the centerpieces on display during the holidays will be made aware of those who are serving or have served.

“Service should not be forgotten, thank you should not be left unsaid, honor should always be given if one stepped forward to take on the responsibility of wearing the uniform and defending the constitution,” she said.

Anyone can honor any family member or friend through this program. The person being honored doesn’t have to be a local resident, nor does the person have to be a member of the American Legion.

Killian said she has honored the service of her deceased father, two brothers that don’t live here, a nephew, a friend’s daughter and a former student.

“The opportunities to honor someone’s service are many. It does not matter if there are duplicate honorary centerpieces purchased,” She said. “We will make sure that they are not placed in the same locations.”

Those who want to honor or remember a service member can pick up an order form at Tom Whitmore Post 28, at 38 North Center in Green River between noon and 10 p.m. daily. Residents may also request an order form by emailing grunit28@gmail.com and asking for the Commemorative Centerpiece Order Form. The centerpieces cost $5 each.

“Please join us in filling tables in Green River with these tastefully created designs that will honor your military hero for years to come,” Killian said.