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About the Program The Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University (MFRI) is partnering with the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library to present the Our Heroes’ TreeSM initiative. Through this program, MFRI and the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library are working to honor past and present service members and create an awareness of military families currently affected by deployment. "Libraries are an integral part of Indiana communities, providing valuable education and raising awareness of current events to improve the quality of life for all citizens,” said Kathy Broniarczyk, director of outreach for MFRI. “This program allows libraries and communities to reach out to a segment of the local population – military members and their families – to demonstrate their support and understanding. MFRI is excited to partner with libraries across the state on the Our Heroes’ TreeSM initiative.” Our Heroes’ TreeSM is a national program founded to recognize and honor the sacrifices of current service members, Veterans, and deceased service members. MFRI is proud to launch the initiative in libraries statewide. Participating libraries will display a tree featuring handmade ornaments created by community members to honor a service member. Libraries will also provide resources to help these communities provide support and generate a greater understanding of the experiences of servicemen and women and their families. How to Participate
Pre-made templates are available at any Library location. Bring your completed ornament to any Library location starting October 16th, where it will be placed on the tree with other ornaments. Stories about individual service members can also be submitted and displayed in a binder near the tree. In November, the ornaments will be a part of the Indiana State Heroes’ TreeSM that will be unveiled at the Indiana State Library and the Indiana State Virtual Heroes’ TreeSM will launch for viewing on the web at www.cfs.purdue.edu/mfri/VirtualTree. More Information Purdue University and libraries statewide are excited to launch this initiative in a continued effort to promote patriotism throughout Indiana communities. To learn more, contact the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library at 765.457.3242 or Samantha Lucy, director of communications for MFRI, at 765-496-6027 or slucy@purdue.edu.
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To participate in the Our Heroes’ TreeSM initiative, simply create a handmade ornament honoring the service member in your family or community from past and present wars, conflicts or peacetime operations.