By HOI ABC
BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL (Heart of Illinois ABC) – The City of Bloomington and Town of Normal will be honoring military heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice with banners honoring active duty fallen or missing-in-action military service members.
The American Gold Star Families Organization started the banner program in Peoria several years ago. The banners will be mounted on light poles along the Downtown Bloomington district, continue at Division Street and run north and south along Main Street through Bloomington Normal, according to a joint release.
“As a veteran, I understand the courage, character, and sacrifice of military members and their families,” Normal Mayor Chris Koos said. “Those called to serve our nation deserve support. I encourage local families who suffered the loss of a loved one to take advantage of this opportunity to honor their memory as heroes.”
“Our involvement in this great program is the least the City could do given the sacrifices these brave men and women have made,” said Bloomington City Manager Tim Gleason. “It’s been many years in the making and we’re proud to see it come to fruition.”
The release says the 30×60 double-sided banners will feature the military fallen heroes’ photographs, rank, name, branch of service, service dates and war conflict.
Organizations and families can sponsor the purchase of banners. The sponsor of the banner will be recognized below the picture of the fallen hero.
A Gold Star family member or someone who died in service for the country can complete the online application here and submit a quality military picture (300 dpi resolution), and the official military DD214 form at [email protected]. America’s Gold Star Families will sponsor the purchase of the 2022 Hero banners that are submitted by April 20, 2022.
Any questions about the program can be directed to Frances Maddox, Project Chair of America’s Gold Star Families Hero Banner Program at 309-825-5121 or via email at [email protected].
The patriotic banners will be displayed beginning May 2022 before the Memorial Day holiday through Veterans Day and will continue annually for a minimum of three years.
A dedication for the Hero Banner Program will be held on Memorial Day at 10 am, at the Miller Park stage during the annual Memorial Day Program.
The mission of America’s Gold Star Families is to provide honor, hope, and healing to those grieving any military loss through active-duty service in the United States Armed Forces including all branches of service representing all conflicts.
HOI ABC can be reached at [email protected]
