The Merrill Fire Department is honoring veterans and active military personnel by wearing a specially designed duty shirt. The MFD members are wearing these shirts in honor of the brave men and women who have and are selflessly defending our freedoms.
The idea for the shirts came from crew members trying to find a creative way to show support for the new Northwoods Veterans Post soon to be constructed in Merrill. The Northwoods Veterans Post will provide a home for continued service and support opportunities for veterans and their families in Northcentral Wisconsin. The center is intended to help foster healthy lifestyles and comradery, while promoting democracy and patriotism.
The front of the shirts have the same logos as normal duty shirts, the back has a special message showing support for the veterans. The shirts are printed on blue digital camouflage design. The shirts are for sale while supplies last, to help raise money for Northwoods Veterans Post that supports veterans.
“The Merrill Fire Department is proud to support the new veteran’s post,” said fire chief Dave Savone. “There are a few veterans within our ranks at MFD, also several retired members are veterans as well. We are very appreciative to them for their service. We are proud to honor and support the men and women serving in the military from our community and across the nation. One department member received a special shirt recognizing his son is an active duty US Navy Corpsman.
“Once we heard of the new Post, we decided to put our efforts into the Support Our Troops shirts,” Savone added. “Proceeds from the sale of the veterans’ shirts will be going to go to the Northwoods Veterans Post.”
The T-shirts have been approved to be worn by on-duty firefighters throughout the month of November. The intent is to also wear the shirts while on duty during Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day in years to come. The shirts are available for purchase by firefighters and the general public at the Merrill Fire Station, 110 Pier St., Merrill.
The Merrill Fire Department will be in attendance at the commemorative event being held Friday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m., along Johnson Street near the Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery in Merrill.