By Paula Horton
Daily World Writer

Legendary rocker Kurt Cobain, Aberdeen's most famous native son, died 11 years ago today.

For millions of Nirvana fans his spirit lives, and some make pilgrimages to his home town. Those who do today will get a special welcome. A new sign telling people to "Come As You Are" was added below the "Welcome to Aberdeen" sign near the bluff in East Aberdeen on Monday.

"Come As You Are" is the name of one of the grunge band's most well-known and commercially successful songs. It was released on Nirvana's groundbreaking 1991 album, "Nevermind."

"I think it's a good idea and it's about time," said Kurt's grandfather, Leland Cobain of Montesano. "I drive by there every day and look for it. I have been waiting for it to go up."

The sign is the handiwork of the Kurt Cobain Memorial Committee.

"After getting feedback from Kurt's fans across the world, we settled on 'Come As You Are' because it had dual meanings," said committee co-chairman Jeff Burlingame, arts and entertainment editor for The Daily World. "Nirvana fans will understand the significance, yet it's vague and appropriate enough that the meaning is applicable to everyone.

"It's nice to have the sign up in time for the anniversary of Kurt's death," Burlingame said. "Several people have contacted us and intend to make pilgrimages to pay their respects. I believe this new sign will, by far, be the most photographed landmark in the city."

The non-profit memorial committee was formed in May of 2004, with the goal of finding ways to honor Cobain in his hometown.

Public signage was the first step because it was the easiest and most cost-effective. The group also hopes to have a memorial park and youth center.

"I think this sign goes a long way toward showing people that Aberdeen finally recognizes the contributions of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana," said committee co-chairman Paul Fritts, a member of the Aberdeen City Council.

The committee paid $750 for a new "Welcome to Aberdeen" sign. The old one was rusting and sported a large bullet hole.

The sign construction was coordinated through Scott Olsen, the sign technician with the City of Aberdeen, who contracted for inmate labor at Stafford Creek Corrections Center. The city also provided the labor to remove old sign and install the new ones.

The committee has been featured on MTV.com, VH1, The Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, several regional radio stations and many more. The publicity helped bring in donations, which have come from across the globe, Burlingame said.

"I'm continually amazed by the overwhelming support we receive from around the world. I knew there were a ton of Kurt Cobain fans out there but wasn't sure any of them would be willing to help us out," Burlingame said. "We've received cash from several European countries, Canada and more. Many send letters thanking us for what we're doing. We've had kids give up their allowances to send them across the country to us. It's all quite humbling, really."

The biggest contributor so far is Terry Kost of Aberdeen, owner of Best Shingle Sales in Hoquiam. "He and his kids are Nirvana fans," Burlingame said. "Kost believes in what we're trying to achieve with our organization and we're forever in debt to his help."

With the first project completed, committee members are beginning work on other ways to honor Cobain, who died April 5, 1994.

Donations to the Kurt Cobain Memorial Committee can be made at any Bank of the Pacific branch or online at www.kurtcobainmemorial.org