Hometown Heroes banner program seeking veterans, past and present
Nov. 24—OGDENSBURG — Veterans, past and present, are being sought to participate in the 2024 Hometown Heroes banner program.
The Ogdensburg Pride & Beautification Commission started the banner program in 2019. The 30X60 inch vinyl banners line poles along Ford Street honoring Ogdensburg's veterans. The commission, with the help of the Ogdensburg DPW, hung 34 banners prior to Memorial Day in 2023.
At the beginning, those eligible had to have graduated from St. Mary's or Ogdensburg Free Academy. Since then, eligibility requirements have changed. Now veterans just have to have lived in Ogdensburg at some point in their lives.
Eight banners have already been purchased and 45 is the limit for the program, according to Barb Barlow with the Pride & Beautification Commission.
Cost for a banner is $185 and they are done on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The deadline, according to Barlow, will be in January.
A reception at City Hall will be held in the spring, prior to the banners being installed. Families are able to see the banners, speak about their veteran being honored and take part in a program held by the Pride & Beautification Commission.
"They get to say something about their veteran. It's very emotional," said Barlow.
When the banners are taken down, they are given to the families. Barlow said some banners are being hung at camps and residences in Ogdensburg.
"People are proud of what they have accomplished," said Barlow.
If anyone is interested in a banner contact Barlow at (315) 854-1106 or Mary Ann Narenkivicius at (315) 322-2700 for an application.
