Veterans honored in Leechburg, Gilpin with more than 200 banners hung through the area

More than 200 banners are being erected on utility poles throughout Leechburg and Gilpin as part of a new “Hometown Heroes” push to honor veterans.

Mayor Wayne Dobos said the goal is to have all of the banners hung by Veterans Day.

Main and Market streets were the first areas to undergo the banner raisings, with numerous other streets being utilized after orders exceeded expectations, said Dobos, a co-organizers.

Businessman and Leechburg resident Ray Voyten provided his employees from Voytex Electrical to mounted the banners for free.

“It’s just the right thing to do,” Voyten said.

Each custom banner made of heavy vinyl measures 30-by-60 inches and features a 22-by-27 picture of the veteran.

The red, white, blue and gold banners also include any medals the veteran earned and their branch of service.

Each banner purchased cost about $140. They were made by Gray Sign Advertising of Tarentum.

The program was approved by Leechburg Council in January.

All costs were paid for by the people who ordered banners, Dobos said. The borough isn’t involved with the project, other than council giving its approval.

A Vietnam veteran, Dobos spearheaded the project with committee members Doreen Smeal and Debbie Canzano after noticing surrounding communities, such as Vandergrift, were honoring their active-duty military members and veterans.

He said the response from the community has been one of great support.

“They are happy with the banner design, and response has been fantastic,” Dobos said. “It’s a true testament to the people in the town that are honoring their veteran relatives.”

Paul Linkes of North Apollo volunteers in Leechburg and said he’s followed the banner project.

“It’s great Leechburg is showing admiration for their veterans,” he said.

Orders for the banners were taken through Friday after a deadline extension from organizers.

Leechburg resident Joni Oberdorf can gaze at her father’s banner from the front door of her residence.

“It’s a wonderful tribute to my father, Army Cpl. Robert E. Nigro, who served in Korea, and all of the other servicemen and women whose banners are hanging throughout the town,” Oberdorf said. “I want to express my sincerest appreciation to the committee. I know it took a lot of time and effort, and I’m forever grateful.”

Dobos expressed his thanks to the Voytex Electrical team and specifically Ray Voyten.

“Ray loves to do things for his town,” Dobos said. “Having someone who is so community-minded is an absolute joy.”