Hometown Heroes campaign enters Phase 2 in Schuylkill Haven

Sydney Kostus
·2 min read

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— A borough program that honors those who have served this country is making a comeback in Schuylkill County.

28/22 News Reporter Sydney Kostus has details on how residents in Schuylkill Haven can get involved in its Hometown Heroes campaign

Faces of soldiers, both active duty and veterans were placed on the table inside the Schuylkill Haven Borough Hall. Many of them are related to residents like Cecilia Michalik ready to be displayed on banners throughout the community.

“We were going to honor not just my Uncle Joe, but his three brothers. We had four from the Dominski family, which was my mother’s side of the family,” said Cecila Michalik, a program volunteer with the Hometown Heroes Campaign.

Banners like this one were placed throughout the borough for the Hometown Heroes campaign up until 2022, but wear and tear from the weather led to their retirement.

Breaking down Governor Shapiros budget proposal address

Now with the help of volunteers, brand new banners will be hung this spring.

“Every year there’s a Memorial Day parade and this year there will be a special part dedicated to these banners to honor those veterans both living and deceased.”>

The borough is looking for applications from local veterans and active-duty military members to put on a flag and represent the area.

“Do you know what’s really exciting? Is when I’ve seen people stand in front of their family banners and taking pictures and sometimes the tears come to their eyes,” added Jessica Seiders, the Schuylkill Haven Borough Manager.

Applications will be collected until March 1st, that’s when 60 new flags will then be made ahead of Memorial Day weekend.

“When you drive through, people take a lot of pride in what they see. So when visitors come through and residents, they see these banners up, you know that fills their heart.”

The program is also looking for donations.

If you’d like to volunteer or donate to help the American Legion with the celebration, you can contact SHHOMETOWNHEROES@GMAIL.COM or call the borough at 570-385-2841. Donations can be made to the Schuylkill Haven Borough, 333 Center Ave, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972 (note Hometown Heroes).

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.