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Sept. 13: Fire Fighter Joe Swan Honored With Illinois American Legion And Colona City Awards During Full Day Celebration

American Legion Department of Illinois has named Joe Swan of Colona, Ill., as Department of Illinois 2008 Fire Fighter Of The Year.

When Colona, Ill., area citizens join throngs of people coming to their city on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008, they will be doing so for an entire day for one of their own - Illinois Fire Fighter Joe Swan, recipient of the American Legion Department of Illinois 2008 Fire Fighter Of The Year Award. Esteemed public servants including Senator Mike Jacobs, State House Rep Mike Boland, and Henry County Sheriff Gibb Cady will also be speaking at the day-long event, where Swan will also be awarded a City Medallion in recognition of his service to the community by the mayor of Colona Danny McDanials.

The streets of Colona and the Colona American Legion (312 Broadway Street) will recognize Swan and host a full day of activities at an American Legion Illinois state event. Starting at 11:00 a.m., food - in the form of a Hog Roast Barbeque to 8:00 p.m., and fun - in the form of kids' activities such as a bounce house, obstacle course, carnival games and magician, and a Beer Garden for adults, will fill everyone's time while waiting to recognize Swan at the award ceremony and speakers at 2:00 p.m.

At 4:00 p.m., the public will participate in Dignified Disposal Of Unserviceable Flags.

Two live bands - Synchyas and Jaiguru, will entertain the crowds from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight).

Americans across the country recognize those who serve the country in many ways, and when duty calls, men and women from all walks of life get mobilized. Swan is one who through his dedication has demonstrated his commitment to civil service. In fact, on the day he was originally to have received the Illinois Award in Springfield, he was out on a Haz-Mat call.

For Swan, the ceremony is particularly poignant - specifically because his father, John Swan, Illinois Fireman's Association president and Colona Fire Chief will present the award to Joe.

John, a member and advocate of the American Legion for many years, expressed his feelings about the event by saying, "I cannot describe the pride and the honor of presenting this award on behalf of the American Legion Department of Illinois to my own son."

For more information and details, contact Mark Sides at American Legion Department of Illinois at 309-721-3886 or e-mail Mark@MarkSides.com.
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   Mr. Mark Sides
   Chairman Public Relations
   American Legion
   Bloomington,    IL,    61701
   USA
   309-721-3886 (phone)
   309-796-2518 (fax)
   Mark@MarkSides.com
   JointheLegion.org