By Conrad Dudderar
Senior Staff Writer
Yukon is kicking off a Military Appreciation Month observance with Main Street banners honoring U.S. veterans who collectively have served about 400 years.
The “Yukon Salutes” project officially launches at 10 a.m. this Saturday, Oct. 10 inside the Yukon Veterans Museum, 1010 W Main.
Yukon Salutes will feature customized banners of 40 military members and veterans along SH-66 street poles. The month-long tribute is presented by the Yukon 66 Main Street Association and the City of Yukon.
“This is a wonderful program that Main Street Director Vicki Davis and the Main Street board has brought together to honor our veterans,” Yukon Mayor Shelli Selby said. “We are so fortunate that the community we live in has an active group of veterans.
“We just want to say, ‘thank you’ for all they have given up in their lives and the way they’ve served our country.”
This Saturday morning’s opening reception at the Yukon Veterans Museum will feature a ribbon cutting, refreshments and tours.
Mayor Selby will read a proclamation declaring Oct. 11 through Nov. 11 as “Yukon Military Appreciation Month” to recognize all veterans of U.S. armed services.
“This will be exciting for our community,” Selby said. “I hope everyone comes out to see all the different banners. It will be impressive.”
FROM 1940s TO TODAY
The 40 honored veterans will be showcased throughout the month in the Main Street banner display. Each banner will contain the veteran’s photo, name, military branch, and years of service.
The 40 honorees are Yukon veterans or family members of Yukon-area residents.
“Their dates of service range from the early 1940s to active duty members who are presently serving,” Davis said.
These veterans have served campaigns and wars including World War II, Vietnam, Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan, and many more.
People registered through the Yukon Main Street office to sponsor Yukon Salutes’ banners for these military heroes.
“We wanted to do something to celebrate the legacy of these veterans, and for the freedoms provided through their service and sacrifice,” Davis said.
Attendees of Saturday’s Yukon Salutes’ kick-off will be invited to tour the Yukon Veterans Museum, which occupies a 4,100 square foot space inside the American Legion Building.
The museum features more than 50 displays “from every combat situation this country has been in,” museum founder/curator Rick Cacini said.
Featured items include: Battlefield gear, flags, historic photographs, uniforms, helmets, weapons, newspaper and magazine articles, and military documents.
The artifacts featured in the Yukon Veterans Museum have been donated by individuals, families and veterans.
