Mae Tienken This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. Press & Dakotan - Sign Of The Star 09/07/02

   www.pressanddakotan.com/storie - [Cached]

   Published on: 9/7/2002   Last Visited: 9/7/2002

   Mae Tienken, left, and Joyce List display the Blue Star Service Banner which the VFW Auxiliary is re-introducing to Yankton. -- Photo by Kellie Smedsrud
   ...
   Auxiliary President Mae Tienken said she believes patriotism has been stirred since the events of Sept. 11, 2001, but she also thinks more can be done to promote loyalty and enthusiasm.
   
   "We learned about the opportunity to do this," Tienken said, "and our auxiliary voted in favor of it. It's offered nationwide, and it's optional. We thought it would be a good way to raise awareness. The banners were a fixture on nearly every block in every town during World War II. We want to honor all men and women in uniform by encouraging them to display this visible reminder."
   
   The Blue Star flag was created in 1917 as a means to denote that a member of the family was serving in the Armed Forces.
   ...
   "Charles and I postponed our wedding for 2 1/2 years when he was sent to Japan during the Korean War," Tienken said. Her husband is the current commander of the Yankton Legion Post.
   
   ...
   "There's no cost to the family," Tienken said. "Our Auxiliary will pay for the cost of the banner. We want our community to be aware of this opportunity."
   
   Both List and Tienken said they won't limit distribution of the banners to the Yankton community. The registration form includes a record of address and zip code to indicate the geographic area where the banners are displayed. However, if a request comes from an area the Yankton Auxiliary isn't able to accommodate, they will assist the family in finding a local unit that can provide them with a banner.
   
   Tienken can be reached at 605-664-9864, and List at 605-665-5750.