The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Hometown Heroes banners to fly again
City now taking applications for round 2 of program
A Mentor City initiative honoring area veterans is back by popular demand.
The city announced this week that applications are now being accepted for the Hometown Heroes banner project, begun last year.
“It was very well-received,” said Community Relations Administrator Ante Logarusic. “In fact, it sold out. We’ve had a number of other communities contact us to see how we did it so they could do it too.”
For $100, a banner can be created of anyone who is serving — or has served — in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard. The money covers production costs, so there is no expense to the city.
Banners will be displayed from Memorial Day through Veterans Day on light posts along Civic Center Boulevard, and on Munson Road between Civic Center Boulevard and Market Street.
The idea was prompted by a resident who mentioned it on the city’s Facebook page last year. She noted that Willoughby, Willowick and Wickliffe already have such a program.
The banners measure 24 inches by 48 inches and are double-sided.
Deadline for inclusion is April 15 or until all poles are filled.
The items may picked up at city hall after Nov. 14, when the display period ends.
Applications are to be submitted along with payment and a high-resolution photo. All hard-copy photos will be returned to the owner.
Applicants also may bring a photo to the Mentor Municipal Center, 8500 Civic Center Blvd., and have it scanned while they wait.
Digital photos in jpeg, png or tif format should be emailed to the Public Information Office at pubinfo@ cityofmentor.com. Emailed photos should be at least 2,400 by 2,400 pixels.
The city won’t be responsible for replacing banners that are stolen, damaged or destroyed because of age, vandalism or acts of nature.
For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 440974-5794 or pubinfo@ cityofmentor.com.