Citizen Of the Year 2024

Citizen of the Year
By Chris MurphyOur community is made better by the amazing level of volunteerism, hard work, ideas and generous contributions. There are people that really stand out when it’s time to make a difference, not with a desire for recognition, but to get important things done and have a positive impact.

American Legion Post 74 has chosen Evan Porges as its Citizen of the Year for 2023 and has created two new awards to be given annually – the Veteran of the Year and Community Service Hero of the Year. The 2023 Veteran of the Year is Birgit Fladagar and the 2023 Community Service Hero of the Year is Chris Guptill. As Citizen of the Year in 2019, I was grateful that this recognition would inspire others and lead to more community involvement. We all hope to lead by example and encourage others.

American Legion Post 74 began awarding a “Man of the Year” award in 1949. In the ensuing years, they have given our nearly 75 awards and changed the name to “Citizen of the Year” to better reflect the recipients. The Citizen of the Year dinner serves as a fundraiser for the local American Legion post and proceeds from the dinner support the Modesto 4th of July parade, the Veterans Day parade, Memorial Day activities at Lakewood Cemetery and on the 7th St Bridge, support of local veterans with disabilities, travel needs and funerals, as well as youth activities such as the Boys/Girls State program, Middle school patriot awards and the US Constitution oratorical contest.

Evan, Birgit and Chris will be honored at the American Legion Post 74 Dinner on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at the Stanislaus Veterans Center. For tickets call Lynn Dickerson 916-662-4352