Traverse City Record-Eagle

2011 Cherry Festival

Related Photos

  • Daniel Spoor, of Kingsley, pauses at a 3,100 pound portion of steel beam from the North Tower of the World Trade Center, which was on display during Heroes' Day at the National Cherry Festival Monday. The artifact is part of a planned permanent 9/11 memorial at 3 Mile and Parsons Roads. Record-Eagle/Jan-Michael Stump

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  • Cherry Queen Maria LaCross, center, laughs with 2011 candidates, from left, Jordan Blaker, Laura Patmore, Evelynne Mende and Stephanie Neville during a photo shoot on top of the Traverse City Fire Department's Ladder 1 truck during Heroes' Day Monday at the National Cherry Festival. Record-Eagle/Jan-Michael Stump

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  • U.S. Coast Guard Seaman Chris Yaw gives a tour of the guard's 25-foot R.B.S. (Response Boat Small) to twins Jonathon and Jennifer Deeren, 11, at the Open Space. Record-Eagle/Jan-Michael Stump

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July 5, 2011

Fourth of July dedicated to Heroes

BY ALEX PIAZZA apiazza@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — George Crisman attempted to curb violence and destruction when he worked as a police officer during the Detroit riots.

Crisman, 80, of Traverse City, also protected radar devices against incoming attacks when he served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

To many, Crisman is a hero. He, along with hundreds of military members, public safety officers and Homeland Security staff, was honored Monday as part of the third-annual National Cherry Festival Heroes' Day.

"It makes me really proud that I was in the service," said Crisman, who also received a medal to recognize his work as a police officer and military member.

Festival organizers passed out hundreds of medals, and even more American flags, as hordes of people packed the Open Space for the Fourth of July celebration. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Cherryland Post in Traverse City purchased about 2,800 small American flags to disperse throughout the day, said Jack Pickard, president of the Grand Traverse Area Veterans Coalition.

"I've been thanked so many times for my service," said Pickard, as he handed out flags. "It's so great the respect that our heroes are getting from everyone."

Jim Carlson, a U.S. Army veteran who also worked as a police officer, picked up two medals — one for himself and the other for a fellow veteran who has cancer. A sense of pride overcame Carlson as people approached him to express their gratitude for his police and military service.

"It makes me feel real proud," he said. "We take real pride in wearing our medals and displaying our service. It's always nice to be accepted and appreciated."

Red, white and blue filled the festival grounds, as people waved their American flags off Grandview Parkway. Richard Rizzio, 86, of Traverse City, even dressed the part.

Rizzio, a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, donned his military uniform as he navigated through numerous food vendors. Rizzio received a medal and appreciation from several festival-goers, but he hopes more people honor the Fourth of July for the right reasons.

"What are we really celebrating? It's our independence," Rizzio said. "It's a special day. We wear these medals to support our heroes."

People often celebrate the Fourth of July with sidewalk sales and barbecues, but Rizzio said the focus should be to honor military members who sacrificed so much for their country.

Richard Bond agrees. Bond, of Traverse City, received a medal for his service with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

"I got all three medals, so I like to keep the collection going," said Bond, who's attended Heroes' Day since its inception in 2009.

Bond appreciated the recognition, especially because he said many Vietnam veterans were shunned after the war.

"Today, they're starting to get the recognition they deserve," he said. "It's very nice to see. Everyone deserves it."

The festival was only the first stop for Bond. He and other veterans planned to step onto the field Monday night at Wuerfel Park during the Traverse City Beach Bums game for a ceremony to honor local military members.

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Special to the Record-Eagle/Susan Melton
A National Cherry Festival goer hits new heights at the Open Space.

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