Hi All,
(This article was originally published on my blogsite Route66Living.com, mere moments ago, but in an effort to help it gain the widest possible audience, because it is a cause I truly believe in, I am re-posting it here as well.)
If you've driven down the shady streets of Claremont in the fall you might have noticed the eye-catching red, white and blue banners lining most of the major thoroughfares. These are the "Claremont Hero's" banners saluting those brave men and women, past and present who have selflessly served their country in our armed forces. 
If you've seen them you might have wondered how they got there and how folks were chosen to receive the honor. Well, I'll tell you... Claremont Hero's is the direct result of one local resident, Army Reserve wife and mom Debra Mendelsohn's efforts to find a way to answer her kids when they asked why their daddy didn't have his name up on a banner like the ones that they saw for other moms and dads in other communities.
The city does not sponsor this program, all the funding to create, install and maintain the banners comes from community members. When the program started there were about 50 honorees and each banner cost about $250 to produce and have hung. In the last couple of years the program has grown and now the organization needs about $3000 to fulfill all the banner requests they have received.
Any Claremont resident or former resident who was a past or present member of any branch of the Armed Forces is eligible for nomination to be recognized with a banner at no cost to them or their families.
I know times are tough, but I also know personally what it feels like to have a loved one far from home, in a hostile place, facing danger at every turn so that I can sit in comfort and safety awaiting their return.
My oldest step-son Sgt. Scott Swanberg, U.S. Army just returned 3 weeks ago from his second tour of duty this time in Afganistan and he is scheduled to be redeployed somewhere around January or February for parts unknown.
When my husband and I drive down Indian Hill and see Scott's name high above on a Claremont Hero's banner it makes him feel a little less far away. I want to help other families enjoy that same feeling.
Please contact the AMERICAN LEGION POST 78 to send them your tax deductible donation to support this worthy cause. Checks should be made out to: American Legion Post 78 and mailed to: American Legion Post #78 Post Office Box 128 Claremont, CA 91711 (please mark "banner program" on the memo section of your check).
For more information about the program or for any additional questions, please contact: Debra Mendelsohn Founder, Claremont Heroes (909) 641-5758
Take care all, help lots of people and have a wonderful day!
Tisza
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