Julia Perkins | Aug. 9, 2021
DANBURY — Banners honoring local service members will decorate parts of the city next year.
The city, through the Danbury Veterans Affairs Office, is launching a Hometown Heroes Banner Program for 2022 as a tribute to Danbury residents in the armed forces. The 18-by-36-inch digitally printed, double-sided vinyl banners will be placed on city owned lampposts on White Street between Holley Lane and 5th Avenue. Each banner will honor a specific Danbury service member, whether a current or past resident of the city. Banners will feature a photo, his or her name, rank, branch of service, era of service, years of service (if available), and (optionally) donor information.
“Seeing the proudly displayed banners while driving down White Street or by those who pass by will be a constant reminder of the sacrifices our local veterans have made to protect our freedoms,” Program Coordinator Lee Teicholz said in a statement. “The City of Danbury continues to be a community which strongly supports and advocates for its military personnel and veterans.”
The Danbury Council of Veterans announced the program to coincide with Purple Heart Day on Saturday. In 2016, Danbury was recognized as a Purple Heart City for its support and advocacy of our military personnel and veterans.
“I'm proud to support another program honoring the brave men and women who serve our country and keep us safe every day,” said Dan Hayes, director of Danbury Veterans Affairs.
Banners will cost $160 and will be displayed from Memorial Day through Veterans Day at which time they will be removed and placed in storage for the winter months. Banners that have been displayed for the initial period may be redisplayed the following year depending on space availability at a cost of $80 or may be returned to the donor at their request. New applications will take precedence over redisplayed banners. All orders must be received by March 31, 2022 to allow time for printing and installation by Memorial Day.
“The Hometown Heroes Banner Program is such a powerful way to honor our local veterans here in Danbury,” Mayor Joseph Cavo said in a statement. "This visual provides our community with an opportunity to see the names and faces of the brave men and women who fought for our freedoms and pay tribute to them for their service and sacrifice. I couldn't be more proud to host this program in our city and hope you will consider supporting these efforts.”
Applications may be downloaded on the program’s website or by visiting the Danbury Veterans Affairs Office in the Patrick R. Waldron Veterans Hall on Memorial Drive. Applications require the filled out form, a photograph of the hero in uniform, proof of honorable discharge and a check for $160, which will cover the printing and installation costs.
Donations are encouraged. Profits from the program will be used to help support veteran services in Danbury.
Only 42 display locations are available, so applications will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. A waiting list for next year will be created if needed. Additional display locations may be added in the future depending on the success of the program.
