Dictionary.com defines the word appreciation with six different meanings. One is the act of estimating the qualities of things and giving them their proper value. One Dallas community found a unique way of displaying its appreciation.

Merriman Park/University Manor recently launched a Police Officer Appreciation Month by displaying a banner along Northwest Highway. Along with the banner, they’re distributing blue ribbons for residents to display. Resident Katie Quinn stated she came up with the idea after the Dallas Police Jack Evans Headquarters building was attacked. Katie was frustrated with the lack of support for police, so she requested that neighbors sign a thank you card. Her community signed the card with no hesitation, but there is more. What’s an appreciation without cake? Katie and her neighbors delivered a cake to the Northeast Patrol Division and from there, the idea expanded to a month-long appreciation with the crown jewel being a big beautiful appreciation banner. The banner can be seen along Northwest Highway, between Walling Lane and Fenton Drive for the entire month of July.

This idea has been well-received. In fact, another resident, Donna Mason, stated that the idea has spread to additional neighborhoods; with the blue ribbons adding even more appreciation.

We hear quite a bit on newscasts or the radio about the state of morale. At the same time, you have people  who always show their constant support. The 650 residents of Merriman Park/ University Manor wishes to thank everyone for supporting their neighborhood and helping them celebrate wonderful officers like the Northeast Patrol Division, which serves their neighborhood. They also want to make clear that this display of appreciation is meant to reach all officers citywide, because all of the Dallas Police Department Officers are being targeted. Targeted with great support and appreciation!