DEMOPOLIS-Representatives with the U.S. Army National Guard held a presentation on Tuesday at the Demopolis City Hall to tell Mayor Caldwell and the City of Demopolis about “The Freedom Salute Campaign.”

LT. Danny Crosby presented a power point presentation telling Caldwell and the City Clerk Vickie Taylor about the up and coming campaign and asking for the assistance of the City of Demopolis in helping with pulling this celebration together.

“The Freedom Salute Campaign is a campaign to honor and retain America’s heroes who have served their nation in the cause of Freedom,” Crosby said.

He said this campaign is the largest one ever put on in the history of the Army National Guard and its main goal is to honor the soldiers, their families and their Centers of Influence.

“Every soldier who participated in operations NOBLE EAGLE, ENDURING FREEDOM, or IRAQI FREEDOM is eligible for this honor,” Crosby said.

He said this is an important part in helping the Army National Guard recognize its soldiers that dropped everything, when they were called too.

“Our soldiers deserve the best all gave some, some gave all,” Crosby said.

He said each soldier, family, unit, and COI will receive top quality recognition items from the National Guard Bureau.

He also said each soldier will receive an encased American Flag, A sequentially numbered commemorative coin, A Defender of Freedom Certificate, A lapel insignia set, A future soldier footlocker kit, and a each soldier will receive a commemorative lapel insignia and medallion with ribbon to present to their Center of Influence.

“A soldier’s Center of Influence could include their employers, pastors, schools, or organizations,” Crosby said.

He said as well as the soldiers receiving these recognition items, their units will receive some items as well. He also said each unit would receive a banner for each operation it participated in.

“Each unit will also designate an Outstanding COI and a Distinguished COI,” Crosby said.

He said the individual that is designated Outstanding COI is someone that prominently stood out as most helpful to the soldiers during mobilization. He also said that person would receive a framed mosaic American Flag print.

He said the individual that is designated Distinguished COI is someone that the unit felt was most helpful to its soldiers and their families during mobilization. He also said that person would receive a 17-inch Minuteman statue.