By Burton Cole
FALMOUTH — Once again this year, the city of Falmouth and American Legion Post 109 will hang banners throughout the city to honor military veterans.
The four-foot-by-two-foot banners — each one bearing the name and image of a specific veteran — will adorn downtown utility poles from Memorial Day in May through Veterans Day in November.
“It’s not something we have to do; we choose to do it,” said Ramona Williams, who is coordinating the effort. “It’s something I’m really proud to be a part of.”
The program began in 2020 with 29 banners saluting veterans.
Last year, the number jumped to 80, and Williams said she expects to see a similar or greater number this year as people order the banners in honor of friends and family.
“It was just booming. Year after year, we were getting more orders in,” she said.
Williams was city clerk when program founder and coordinator Joseph Montgomery brought the proposal to the city. It’s not something that a lot of communities can do.
“We’re fortunate that we own our own electric poles,” Williams said. “Some utility companies do not allow it.”
When Montgomery left to establish Patriots Landing, a faith-based veterans workshop and complex in Williamstown, Williams was determined to make sure the banners continued. The retired clerk teamed with Mike Moore, Pendleton County Emergency Management director and a member of Post 109, and county Technology Director Michele Hamilton to keep the tributes going in partnership with the city and the American Legion post.
“It’s a passion of mine,” Williams said. “I’ve got a lot of family members who have a military background.”
Banners can be either in memory of a deceased veteran or in honor of a living veteran. Most are local veterans, but being from Pendleton County isn’t a requirement.
Anyone who wishes to do so can order a banner for a veteran no matter where from where they hail.
Banner sponsorships are $130 each, which is a decrease from the previous $149 because production and hardware costs went down.
“We make no profit on this,” she said.
Banners will hang for three consecutive years, after which the banner will be turned over to the person who ordered it.
New banners can be ordered for the same veteran.
Each banner will include a color or black-and-white photo of the veteran as provided by the sponsor, with the veteran’s name, rank and branch of service. A personal message can be added as well.
The order form can be found online at pchonorbanner.com. For more information, call Williams at 859-653-4679.