Hometown Heroes Banner Program to honor local veterans

Painesville Township will recognize local veterans through its 2018 Painesville Township Hometown Heroes Program.

“The Hometown Heroes Banner Program is Painesville Township’s way of honoring veterans who have served in the armed forces,” said Painesville Township Administrator Mike Manary.

“The banners will have a picture of the veteran, the branch of service that he or she served in, their rank, and the name of the sponsor.”

Veterans who have served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or the Coast Guard are eligible for this program, according to the program announcement.

“The Township’s Service Department will hang the banners from utility poles along Mentor Avenue,” Manary said.

There are 58 utility poles available along Mentor Avenue, he said.

The double-sided banners will be displayed from Memorial Day through Veterans Day. The banners will be removed immediately after Veterans Day and will be available for the sponsor to pick up at Township Hall, 55 Nye Road.

Families and organizations can sponsor the 24by 54-inch banners for $140 each to cover production costs.

Residents may obtain an application for the banner by calling Painesville Township Hall at 440-352-1443 or email mmanary@painesvilletwp.com.

“We are accepting applications now,” he said. “The banners will be put on display just in time for Memorial Day.”

Manary said electronic photos are preferred, but paper photos will be accepted.

Paper photos will be returned to the sponsor once the banner has been ordered. Digital photos must be in .jpeg, .png or .tif format.

The deadline for submitting applications is April 30. Banners are available until all lightpoles are filled.

“All three trustees enthusiastically endorsed this program as a way to pay tribute to the veterans who have served our country over the years,” he said.