A Way to Honor Local Veterans

Dateline: Feb. 24, 2020

"The Star Spangled Banner"       The United States Army Band

The Allenstown Economic Development Committee (EDC) is working in collaboration with Concord for Hometown Heroes Banners LLC, to offer a way for families and friends to pay tribute and honor to their loved ones who have served in our nation's military. You may have seen their distinctive banners mounted on utility poles in downtown Concord or another town.

A Pledge to Banner Sponsors

Matthew Wieczhalek-Seiler heads the organization, takes pride in the photographic quality of the banners, and does his absolute best to restore your veteran's photos to the best quality possible. He pledges to do his best to give you a product that you will be proud to share with your community.

Banner Details

The banners are digitally printed on 8 ft. x 2 ft vinyl fabric using UV stable inks, then folded and double stitched into a double-sided 4 ft. x 2 ft. finished size with fabric loops stitched at top and bottom for hanging on special pole brackets.

The banner can also contain images of Meritorious Awards, like the Purple Heart or Bronze Star, that were bestowed upon the service member. Gold Star pins can be included if the ultimate sacrifice was made for a grateful nation.

Eligibility

As for eligibility, the honored veteran must have served in the United States Armed Forces, may be a living or deceased resident of the town, or a relative or friend of a resident of the town. This will allow for the broadest number of local veterans to be honored.

Fee for Sponsors

The fee for sponsoring a banner is $200.00, which includes its design and manufacture, plus three years of Spring installation, Fall deinstallation, cleaning, and winter storage.

Display Details

After the EDC receives permission from the local electric utility, banners are installed on utility poles on or before Memorial Day and remain on display until after Veteran's Day, a span of a little more than six months. Winter weather is not really suitable for the banners so they are stored until the following Spring.

The plan is to install the banners along School St. next May. This is an appropriate choice since this is the main entrance into the center of town and leads past the Town Hall, ARD Middle School, St. John's Church, and the Fire Station. It is hoped that this becomes Allenstown's Thoroughfare of Hometown Heroes.

What You Can Do

Spring is approaching and they need time to process your request in time to install your banner by Memorial Day. Please contact the EDC as soon as possible to inform them of your interest in the program.
 EDC e-mail

The EDC will provide you with an application and information about the process, help you get in touch with the Hometown Heroes organization, and be your liaison to make sure you are satisfied with the finished banner and that its installation is done on schedule.