FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO):  Wednesday afternoon, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry announced a new program, created to distinguish the efforts of deployed service members. The Blue Star Banner Program will recognize Fort Wayne residents and City government employees who are actively deployed.

The first service member to be honored is Command Sergeant Major Brian Kiess. He is an actively deployed member of the Army Reserve and works in the City’s Division of Public Works. The banner for Kiess will be displayed later on this month.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for us to recognize and celebration the accomplishments of our service members,” said Mayor Henry. “The men and women on active deployment sacrifice so much for our freedom that a program such at the Blue Star Banner is a great way to highlight the efforts of the real heroes in our City.”

Family and friends of deployed personnel are encouraged to complete an application at http://www.cityoffortwayne.org/. Once applications are reviewed, banners will be made and displayed on light poles along West Jefferson Boulevard from the Time Corners area to Swinney Park. Banners will displayed each April – November and will be taken down during the winter months.