FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Ten years ago the City of Fort Wayne started a program to recognize military members. And you probably drive right by it. Veterans Day is the one time of year we take to thank those who served our country. For the City of Fort Wayne that "thanks" extends much longer. The City's Blue Star Banner program serves as a way to recognize those deployed from Fort Wayne and the sacrifices they're making. In 2014, Mayor Tom Henry openly admitted he stole the idea for the Blue Star Banner program from another city. He recognized the positivity it would bring to Fort Wayne. "It's certainly imperative that we recognize as often as possible all the military personnel that have been deployed," said Mayor Henry back in 2014. Community liaison for the City Karen Richards worked alongside the Mayor's office since the beginning to make the program possible. "And I remember saying, "Mayor how about we get it together, we'll call these people, and then we'll do it for next season." And he was always one that said, "Uh, I think we can get it done now." And we did," said Richards. Fort Wayne Youtheatre brings positivity to local students’ lives You used to be able to find the banners on Jefferson Boulevard, but they have recently been moved to Lafayette Street, closer to the Veterans Memorial Bridge. This year, we also lost the man who started the program and a veteran himself, Mayor Henry. But as a new administration started, it was no question to keep the program going. "Having one-on-one experience, I could say that I'm sure Mayor Henry is smiling knowing that the program is continuing. It is indescribable what people go through when they are considering sacrificing everything for our country and I'm very proud and happy to know that we had a leader who had done both, sacrifice for our country and then turned around and recognized the sacrifices," said Mayor Sharon Tucker. One of those people who sacrificed everything for our country is Fort Wayne Fire Department Captain Amber Stine. The Garrett native joined the Indiana National Guard with the 638th Aviation Support Battalion.After 14 years of service, Stine is now a platoon sergeant, including a deployment to Kosovo from 2022 until 2023. Her family and friends requested a Blue Star Banner during her deployment. When she returned home, she was happy to see it, typo and all. "Of course, with the misspelling of the name it made me chuckle. But it made me feel so great that I work for a city that is so supportive of service members both actively and in reserve status. I never once had to question whether I'm going to be able to get the time off or if things are going to be taken care of on my end because of me serving in the military. And I'm just blessed to have an employer that sponsors that kind of work and that relationship that I can do both the military career and fire department career simultaneously," said Stine. Stine oversees the Survive Alive program at the Safety Village. "Getting to work with the 3rd graders day in and day out and proving to them that they can do hard things, that they can put their fears aside and safely escape a home fire situation if that, heaven forbid that were to ever happen to them. And it's just a blessing to see all the lives that we touched," said Stine While Stine considers herself Wonder Woman, you probably could add a couple more adjectives to describe her. "I want to care for others. I am a medic in the military, which is what drove me to become a paramedic 10 years ago. And I just want to take care of those that need it. And I love serving the community and making sure the community is taken care of." It's completely free to request a banner for the deployed service person in your life. Once they come home, the banner is theirs to keep. Walking World War II veteran brings smiles and inspiration "I think it's just a small token of appreciation and consideration that we can continue this program moving forward. And now seeing it come to a 10-year anniversary, it's really exciting for our city," said Mayor Tucker. The next time you're heading north on Lafayette -- remember these are just decorations, but a declaration of "thank you" to those who serve. You can click here to learn more about the Blue Star Banner Program.