This week's theme: A miscellany of simple but strong words.

herald

Meaning:
as a verb:
  1) Announce/proclaim to the public.*
  2) To greet or welcome with enthusiasm.
as a noun:
  1) Announcer.
  2) Messenger.
  3) An officer of Arms.
  4) That which signals the arrival of someone/something.**

Examples:
*"Fast sales of the company's new MP3 device heralded a new profitable era for the company."
**"Tulips are nature's herald of the coming of spring."