The Signal

Showing respect

‘Hometown Heroes’ banners to adorn streets in honor of Veterans Day

- By Crystal Duan Signal Staff Writer

The city of Santa Clarita put up banners highlighti­ng its “Hometown Heroes” at the end of October to honor active members of the military from the Santa Clarita Valley just in time for Veterans Day.

Councilman Bob Kellar, a major proponent of the program, said Friday that he was extremely proud that the city and county were working hand in hand to honor the service members living in the area.

“I feel very strongly about it,” he said Friday. “I think it is something all of us here in the Santa Clarita Valley can be very proud of, that we recognize those who live here that have served, and volunteere­d to serve their country. God bless America and God bless Santa Clarita for doing that.”

Los Angeles County has also supported the Santa Clarita Valley initiative to

honor veterans. Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger recently sent a $5,000 county donation to the Hometown Heroes Military Banner Program to match a donation from the city for families in need to afford to recognize their loved ones.

““I’m honored to join the city of Santa Clarita in this special effort to commemorat­e the service and sacrifice of our Hometown Heroes — the men and women in the armed forces who call this community home,” Barger said in a statement.

The banners feature the member’s photograph, name, rank and branch of the military in which they serve. They will remain up through the new year and are displayed on streetligh­t poles throughout the city and along the Fallen Warriors Memorial Bridge on Golden Valley Road.

Banner orders, which cost $417.50 plus tax, are eligible for discounts and can be requested at santa-clarita. com/heroes.

“Nobody is denied a banner that is serving our country, who is from the Santa Clarita Valley,” Kellar said. “I want to make clear, this is not just a city program, it’s for the entire SCV. We’ll continue to keep it going, and God bless our service members.”

 ?? Austin Dave/The Signal ?? (Above) To honor the 1,000 California­ns who were killed during World War I, West Ranch High School planted 1,000 handcrafte­d red poppies on the 100th anniversar­y of Armistice Day, which is commemorat­ed annually on Nov. 11. In countries like Great Britain and Canada, the red poppy is used to commemorat­e Armistice Day. See A8 for a list of Santa Clarita Valley veterans.
Austin Dave/The Signal (Above) To honor the 1,000 California­ns who were killed during World War I, West Ranch High School planted 1,000 handcrafte­d red poppies on the 100th anniversar­y of Armistice Day, which is commemorat­ed annually on Nov. 11. In countries like Great Britain and Canada, the red poppy is used to commemorat­e Armistice Day. See A8 for a list of Santa Clarita Valley veterans.
 ?? Signal file photo ?? City Councilman Bob Kellar, left, discusses the “Hometown Heroes” Military Banner program with United States Marine Sgt. David Gonzalez after a press conference in March 2016.
Signal file photo City Councilman Bob Kellar, left, discusses the “Hometown Heroes” Military Banner program with United States Marine Sgt. David Gonzalez after a press conference in March 2016.

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