Businesses sought to sponsor banner program

When American Legion Post 123 in Lansford announced it was starting a Hometown Heroes banner program, the response was positive.

However some people are concerned about the $200 cost of the banners for local veterans. In response, the Post has decided to ask area businesses to consider sponsoring a banner for a local veteran.

As Legion officials have pointed out, businesses in other communities with a hometown hero banner program have allowed the public to nominate a veteran for the business to sponsor.

“This is a great way to honor some of our older veterans who may not have family or who are on a fixed income and cannot afford such luxuries,” Legion Vice Commander Christine LeClair said in a letter.

Most of the $200 cost goes toward the production of the banner, however it includes a small donation to the organization supporting the program as well.

They welcome businesses who want to sponsor the banners outright, or hold fundraisers to collect the money to put up a banner.

The proposed banners are 24 by 48 inches and will include the service member’s name, rank, branch and era of service, as well as their picture. The sponsor’s name also appears on the banner.

The banners will be delivered in time for the 2018 Carbon County Veterans Day parade, which will be held in Lansford on Sunday, Nov. 11. The banners will then be taken down and displayed Memorial Day through Veterans Day for the following three years: 2019-21. After that time, the banners will be given to the sponsor.

Application and photo should be enclosed in an envelope and returned to Lansford American Legion Post 123, P.O. BOX 193, Lansford, PA 18232, ATTN: Christine LeClair. Any questions, please contact Christine at 570-413-3344. Deadline for applications is Aug. 1, 2018.

Make your check payable to American Legion Post 123. A small donation from the fee of the banner will benefit the organization supporting the program.