Home Depot honored for courtesy toward veterans

Published 5:26 am Friday, April 25, 2014

Sometimes a small gesture has a big impact.

When the Kenai Home Depot installed a sign that reserved two front parking spaces for United States Veterans last fall, members of the American Legion Post 20 noticed and wanted to show their gratitude.

At a brief presentation on Thursday, dignitaries from the American Legion, including the National Commander Daniel Dillinger, presented a certificate of appreciation to the Kenai Home Depot store manager Mark Pierson, for the parking space reserved for veterans. Post 20 Department Commander Alvin Diaz of Kenai also presented a new American Flag for the exterior of the store.

Diaz said one of the legion members a few months back noticed Home Depot could use a new flag and in speaking with workers discovered the front parking spot as a way to honor veterans. He said the legion waited until the National Commander was in town for the 95th annual Alaska Department Convention from Thursday to Saturday, to show their thanks for the sign.

Dillinger, from Virginia said the parking spot means a great deal.

“Whenever you can partner with the community to help the veterans that is what we are all about,” he said. “We are all about patriotism and are here to thank the community for what they do for veterans and for patriotism.”

Pierson, who has worked at the Kenai Home Depot for 10 years since it opened, said the company has a long-standing history of supporting veterans in different ways. On a personal level, the veteran’s parking space is their way to honor and show how important they are in the community.

“We realize we are beneficiaries for what veterans have done for us,” he said. “This is just a way to say thank you so when they come in, they can park right up front and not have any issues and load up easily.”

Reach Dan Balmer at daniel.balmer@cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/peninsulaclarion