Recruiting Station Seattle -- The Marines of Recruiting Station Seattle were recently awarded the Local Hero Award from Seattle?s Madrona Community Council during the ninth annual Neighbor Appreciation Day here.
The award was presented to Maj. Robert P. Cote, commanding officer, RS Seattle, as well as representatives from the other branches of service from Ms. Yvonne Sanchez, Director of the Department of Neighborhoods for Seattle.
"The City of Seattle has set aside this one day to say thank you to the men and women of the armed services for their faithful service to our community, " said Sanchez. "Seattle has set a national model for diversity. We have distinct neighborhoods that represent our diverse communities. That is why it is important for us to celebrate the people in our neighborhoods that helped us to develop this model."
"As a native of Seattle, it is a pleasure to receive this award on behalf of the Marine recruiters here," said Cote. "We are committed to not only making Marines and winning battles, but also in returning quality citizens to the neighborhoods where they were recruited. Fostering and maintaining good relationships with all of our communities is very important to me and my Marines."
Neighbor Appreciation Day began in 1995 when a local resident requested that the mayor designate "a special day to celebrate the goodness in those around us and to reach out and strengthen our bonds to each other." The mayor agreed and issued a proclamation for all communities to set aside the second Saturday of February each year for Neighbor Appreciation Day.
The Madrona Community Council celebrated this day with a small gathering of award recipients at a local restaurant. Approximately 25 people were in attendance for the morning celebration, which featured a local jazz pianist.
Sanchez, who presented the awards in lieu of Mayor Greg Nickels' absence, said that honoring the armed services at this time is more important than ever.
"Regardless of ones personal views regarding the state of the world today, it is vital that we as a community embrace those of us who go out and serve our country," she continued. "This award is just a small token of our immense thanks to you."