Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct several errors. News Now Warsaw regrets the mistakes.
By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WARSAW — A large crowd — easily 75 people — gathered at 2 p.m.Tuesday in cold and windy conditions to welcome the arrival of the Warsaw Salutes You Banner Program to its new home on the Kosciusko County courthouse square.
Since 2020, the banners have been displayed along East Market Street, but a long-term desire to move them to the courthouse square came to fruition on Tuesday.
Megan Stone, whose daughter, Warsaw Community High School student Elizabeth Stone, began the project through KYLA, organized Tuesday’s ceremony with Co-Coordinator Miechi Petro on the courthouse square.
Megan and Petro have taken over the program since Elizabeth left for college.
“Her hope was that the banner program would be downtown Warsaw, (but) that was not possible at that time – they were just launching the renovation on East Market Street,” Megan Stone said.
“She envisioned a program like this gathering with lots of people to celebrate and I’m really grateful and I can’t wait to share with her,” Stone said.
Stone was especially thankful to the Warsaw Street Department for assisting in the transition.
Banners from the most recent installment on Market Street were recently taken down and new banners were installed around the courthouse, where they will remain on display for a year.
“It’s a great way to honor our veterans and inspire others in our community for a spirit of service and patriotism are very grateful,” she added.
Prior to a speech from Ken Locke, Stone and Petro were helping redistribute last year’s banners to veterans and their families.
“We clean them, we get them all ready to turn back to the family so they can have that keepsake for themselves,” Petro said.
Previous displays have honored those from all of the military branches and every U.S. War.
This year’s banners include one for Ellis Cox, who served in the Army in World War II, participated in the battle of Normandy, and earned a Purple Heart.
“Here in Warsaw, we are proud to recognize our veterans, not only with the words today, but also for a lasting tribute and honor that reminds everyone who passes through our community of your service, your sacrifice,” Stone said.
To learn more about financially supporting the program (they offer assistance to those who can’t afford the standard fee to sponsor a banner) or about applying for a future banner, use the email warsawsalutesyou@gmail.com.
