American Legion Post 108 presenting flags for opening of Back The Blue event, 28
Chelan “Back the Blue” is a local grassroots effort that expresses our communities respect and gratitude for law enforcement, first responders and the men and women that protect and keeps us safe. Saturday, August 29 WineGirl Wines in Manson was the venue for our community in the Chelan Valley to pay respect to all the men in women that daily risk their lives for us.
Todd Link, owner of WineGirl Wines welcomed everyone at 7:00 PM. Todd served our country for six years in the Navy during Desert Storm as an air traffic controller, he totally supports the efforts of “Back the Blue”.
Tiffany Schnelle told the Chelan Mirror, “Back the Blue-Chelan/Manson was brought together by Brandi Sanford, Gabe Sanchez and myself to support our local law enforcement officers. We have nothing but respect for what our law enforcement and first responders do each day. Our personal stories are different and none of us would be who we are without them.”
Tiffany was born into a long line of military having two grandfather’s and an uncle serving in law enforcement. She now has her youngest son, baby brother and cousins serving our country. She married a navy veteran who loves this great nation and together, they bleed red, white and blue.
Tiffany introduced the Manson American Legion, Post 108 under the direction of Vice Commander Brian Strausbaugh, along with four flag bearers (John Swenson, Craig Pittson, Carole Hanson and Norm Manly) who provided the “Presentation of the Colors” ceremony inaugurating the event. This was followed by the playing of Taps to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Harvey Gjesdal, retired Douglas County Sheriff, led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Featured guest speakers were Harvey Gjesdal and Chelan County Sherriff, Brian Burnett. There were many members from uniformed law enforcement and retired personnel in the audience, several spoke about their careers and how much they appreciated the support they see everyday in our Lake Chelan Valley.
We thank the following for providing great food and drink; Green Dot Sub Shop, The Family Bean Organics, Manson Bay Market, Safeway and WineGirl Wines. There was a table full of “Back the Blue” flags, wrist bands and stickers free of charge.
Many attendees brought donations of stuffed animals, toys and cash to support the Blessing Box. The purpose of the Blessing Box is to help first responders and law enforcement officers carry small toys and stuffed animals to give to kids in trauma they come in contact with. Sometimes, when tragedy strikes or an emergency arises, the children are scared and in need of comfort and distraction from the current situation.
The “Back the Blue” event met all expectations and we thank everyone that came to show support of our amazing law enforcement officers and first responders.
Submitted by Norm Manly, Manson American Legion Post 108 – more photos available on Facebook.
