Kingsford committee members — from left, Dale Trombley, Jennifer Castro and Ken Wood — stand by an example of the Hometown Heroes banners that are available for purchase to honor local veterans. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News)

KINGSFORD — Kingsford is offering the community a new way to honor veterans in their families.

The idea of entering the Hometown Heroes Banner Program was first brought up at a citizens advisory committee meeting in July, committee member Ken Wood said. A sub-committee was formed to learn more about the program and how to take part. It was then approved by the city council.

There are several other communities in the Upper Peninsula involved in the banner program, including St. Ignace and Hancock.

Forty banners will be sold at $225 each. The 30-by-60-inch vinyl banners will hang on utility poles from just before Memorial Day through Labor Day for three years and afterward the sponsor will receive the banner. They will be created by Holiday Outdoor Decor of Allentown, Pa.

“We’re going to keep them on side streets because of slower traffic and sidewalks so people can look at them,” Wood said.

“One of the ideas that was brought up was to display them in Lodal Park,” committee member Jennifer Castro said. “People walk there a lot. There’s a lot of sporting events, so they would get a lot of visibility there.”

Orders are currently being taken. For those who wish to purchase a banner, forms are available on the city website or they can come to City Hall. Orders will be accepted into March or until all the banners are sold. They must have a minimum of 10 banners for an order.

The banners will be installed by Department of Public Works employees using the city’s newly purchased bucket truck.

The form must be filled out completely and veterans must have their DD214 certificate of release or discharge from the service or their Common Access Card, and a photo.

“We are opening it up to anyone who calls Kingsford home,” Castro said. “We don’t want to limit it.”

They are also hoping local businesses will help sponsor banners to help defray the cost. They will be promoting it in the community and at the city Christmas event Dec. 18.

“We’re hoping that it takes off in town and other communities decide to it,” Castro said.

“One of the people I know, she said her grandfather was really surprised and excited and happy to be on there,” Castro said.

“They make a nice Christmas gift for the vet who has everything,” committee member Dale Trombley added.

They are grateful for the assistance of Dickinson County Veteran Services Officer Denise Formolo.

———

Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 85242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.