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The back of each Hometown Heroes banner includes words of gratitude. COURTESY SOUTHAMPON TOWN.
A sample banner for the Southampton Town Hometown Heroes program. COURTESY Southampton Town
A visual remembrance is a fitting tribute.
That’s how William Hughes, the commander of Westhampton VFW Post 5350, saw it last Veterans Day, when Southampton Town Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara introduced the “Hometown Heroes Banner Program.”
A collaboration between the post and the town, the initiative, which recognizes and honors local military service members, launched this week.
“I’m excited about it,” Hughes said. “I think it’s a good thing to highlight our veterans, whether they’re living or in heaven. For families, brothers and sisters to see their loved ones honored in Good Ground Park, it’s a good thing.”
Personalized banners with pictures and military service information for honorees will be displayed at the park in Hampton Bays.
Banner applications are now being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with one banner per sponsor. To qualify, honorees must be a former or current resident of the Town of Southampton, and must be serving or have served in the U.S. armed forces.
The program will run from Memorial Day through Veterans Day. The first round of banners will be on display in Good Ground Park from Memorial Day to early August, and the second round of banners will be on display from August through Veterans Day.
At the end of the program period, program sponsors will be able to pick up their banner at Southampton Town Hall in the Housing and Community Services Department.
McNamara is liaison to the town’s Veterans Affairs Committee. “I’m proud to partner with the Westhampton VFW Post 5350 on this program,” she said. “It’s important for us to recognize and remember the sacrifices made by those in our community who have served, and continue to serve our nation.”
For more information about the “Hometown Heroes Banner Program” contact Jamie Bowden at hometownhero@southamptontownny.gov, or go to militarytributebanners.org/new-york/southampton-ny.html to purchase a banner.
The cost of the 18-inch-by-36-inch banner will be $200. A portion of the proceeds will be administered by Westhampton VFW Post 5350 to benefit local veterans organizations or assist families with a banner purchase.
