Hometown Heroes banner program launches in Blawnox

After its inaugural program sold out, Blawnox has relaunched the sale of Hometown Hero banners to salute residents who served in the military.

Anyone interested in honoring a loved one with an 18-by-38-inch banner can apply on the borough’s website.

Cost is $110.

“We have people asking for them all the time,” Councilman John Simmons said. “I think it’s a fantastic thing that we honor the people who helped keep our country the way it is.”

Borough crews will hang the banners along Freeport Road from Memorial Day in May through Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Manager Kathy Ulanowicz said borough officials are proud to offer the program.

The banner tribute has become popular across the region in recent years, with signs hung from utility poles along main streets to honor service personnel with their photo, name, branch of service and any particular commendations.

Ulanowicz said banners will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis and will be changed each year. Families are limited to purchasing one banner each year.

There are 56 spots for veterans’ tributes available.

Ulanowicz said the borough has 28 decorative lights where the banners can be hung.

Photos and information are also displayed on the Blawnox Hometown Heroes website at troopbanners.com.

In previous years, the borough used a grant to help offset costs of banners for military families, but Ulanowicz said the full price will fall on applicants this time around.