"I decided to go to a bunch of spots and get a lot of different faces and places in Riverside, just saying thank you," said Hass.
From soccer field to City Hall, the number of participants is growing.
"After I ask them, basically, 'Do you want to say thank you to the troops overseas,' they stop in their tracks, stop what they're doing and say, 'Yeah,' and usually it's more than just thank you. It's thank you and then a message from the heart," said Haas.
As an example, local cabinet-maker John Ramsay stopped working for a few minutes to say his thanks.
"I just want to thank you guys for everything you're doing over there. I can't imagine what you see and what you have to deal with," said Ramsay.
Ramsay feels that Haas' positive reaction reflects the high patriotism level in the Inland communities.
"I find that it's actually very strong, it's not always expressed outwardly," said Ramsay. "What these young men and women are doing is incredible."
Haas has been surprised by the reaction to his project.
