NORTH CANAAN — The town is launching a new initiative to recognize local veterans, with plans to install commemorative banners across North Canaan as early as this summer.
First Selectman Jesse Bunce announced the “Hometown Heroes” program during the Board of Selectmen meeting on April 14, outlining a community-driven effort to honor residents who have served in the military.
The program will allow families to sponsor banners featuring the names and photographs of veterans. The banners will be displayed on utility poles during the warmer months.
“I think it is going to be great for our downtown,” Bunce said. “They will be going up on the well-traveled roads in North Canaan.”
Bunce said the initiative will be funded entirely by participating families, not taxpayers, with the town coordinating logistics and working with local vendors to produce the banners.
He anticipates that more than 100 veterans could ultimately be represented, including honorees dating back to the nation’s founding. He is encouraging residents to contact the Board of Selectmen’s office to submit names.
Town officials aim to have the banners installed by July 4 as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary. They plan to take them down during the winter months and reinstall them each summer.
The program is open to veterans of all branches of the United States Armed Forces, living or deceased, and is intended to provide families with a visible way to recognize their loved ones’ service.
Bunce said the program is modeled after similar efforts in nearby towns, including Pine Plains in Dutchess County.
In addition to the banner program, North Canaan is also collecting names to be added to the Doughboy monument.
“These are projects we’re really proud of,” Bunce said.
