Each Sunday we will feature a project going on within the city, happenings within a department or someone who works hard to provide services to the community. This week features a new initiative being undertaken by the city to recognize our veterans - the Hometown Heroes Appreciation Banner program.
The Hometown Heroes Appreciation Banner program is a new effort by the city to recognize veterans or those currently serving our country.
Mayor Sue Lynch said she wanted to find a way to recognize those who have served the county in any branch of the U.S. military.
The program will include full-colored banners, measuring 30 inches by 63 inches, displayed along Central Avenue and in and around Founders Square. The banners will feature a photograph of the veteran along with a bit of information, including the branch of the military in which he or she served; years served; rank and any other relevant information.
The banners will be hung from the light poles for both Memorial Day and Veterans Day and will be maintained by the city for reuse each year.
The Portage Hometown Heroes program will be similar to one initiated last year in the Town of Highland by Highland -- and former Portage -- resident Sandy McKnight.
McKnight spearheaded the Highland Hometown Heroes program last year and quickly sold out of spaces for available banners in her town. She is hoping the program will spread throughout Northwest Indiana as a way to honor veterans.
Because of the limited number of light poles available, there will be a limit of 90 banners sold this year. It is the city's hope that the program will grow as space becomes available.
The cost of the banners is $50 each and there is a limit of two per family.
Anyone interested in sponsoring a banner may print the flyer and registration form attached to this post. The completed registration form, with a check payable to the City of Portage (with Hometown Heroes written in the memo line), should be sent to Portage City Hall, atten. Norma Laboy, 6070 Central Ave., Portage, IN 46368.
The photos, with the service person's name in the subject line, should be sent to portagehometownheroes@yahoo.com
The deadline to submit the registration form, payment and the photo is April 15.
Additional registration forms are available at City Hall, 6070 Central Avenue or American Legion Post 260, 5675 Mulberry Avenue.
