With the final installment of Star Wars just a month away, fans are turning out in droves, not just to line up to buy movie tickets, but for the opportunity to thank the man who brought the saga to life on the big screen.

A new web site — ThankyouGeorge.com — has been established with the goal to provide millions of fans with an easy means to sign a tribute to George Lucas in celebration of Star Wars — a story that has taken six movies and nearly three decades to tell.

“It is evident by the numbers of fans logging on to ThankyouGeorge.com that Lucas has touched lives, fueled imaginations, and brought generations of people together,” said Dan Madsen, spokesperson for the ThankyouGeorge.com. “We feel it is fitting to pay tribute to him and the momentous completion of the Star Wars saga.”

Star Wars fans from all over the world can visit ThankyouGeorge.com to sign the official tribute free of charge. In addition to adding their name to the letter, fans are encouraged to write a personal note about what Star Wars has meant to them over the years. Star Wars actor Mark Hamill was the first to thank Lucas on the website, “I would like to thank George Lucas for rekindling the childhood imaginations of those of all ages, and for showing us that artistry and integrity are not mutually exclusive.” Fans will also be able to view the notes of gratitude from others and discuss their experiences on message boards and blogs. Later this year, a bound copy of the tribute will be presented to Lucas as a heartfelt token of appreciation.

ThankyouGeorge.com will be an online hub where fans can organize and coordinate Star Wars community events using a variety of tools, including a group emailing service, event listings and community boards.

The web site is encouraging fans to count themselves among those who are thanking Lucas by wearing special red “Thank You, George!” logo t-shirts (available at the site). “Many fans were there at the beginning 28 years ago and have followed the Star Wars journey through the years with friends and family, to its culmination. This is a unique opportunity for them to mark the event by signing the tribute and wearing a visible symbol of gratitude and appreciation,” said Madsen.

For more information, visit ThankyouGeorge.com.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Dan Madsen served as the President of The Official Star Wars/Lucasfilm Fan Club for 13 years. During his time as President, Madsen founded the official fan magazine, the Star Wars Insider, organized the first Official Star Wars Celebration event in Denver, CO in 1999, and received a cameo role in Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace.