Calling all Hometown Heroes: Applications for banner program due March 31

The City of Chester is once again taking applications for its Hometown Heroes banner program.

In its third year, the program to honor local veterans and active duty service members has proven extremely popular.

"When we started, I hoped to get maybe 35 to 50 banners," said Director of Parks and Recreation Patti Carter. Now the city has more than 200 banners to hang throughout town.

Each banner displays the name and photo of a hometown hero. The banners are displayed from Memorial Day to Veterans Day.

Carter says the city is on at least its third batch of banners, and the latest ones are more durable and made in the USA. Originally expected to last only two years, the city now leaves the banners up as long as they still look good. When the city decides to retire a banner, the family is notified and given the option to purchase a new one.

Though the city cannot guarantee the placement of a banner, Carter says city employees try to put family members together and hang banners in meaningful locations. "Our guys do a good job," she said.

The person being recognized must be a current or former resident of Chester, and must be active duty military, honorably discharged or killed in action.

Applications are due March 31 and should include a completed application form, proof of military service, a 5x7 high-quality photo and a $75 check made payable to the City of Chester. Applications can be found on the city's website, chesterill.com and should be mailed to City of Chester Hometown Heroes Banner Program, 1330 Swanwick Street, Chester, IL 62233.

For more information, call Patti Carter at (618) 826-1430 or email chesterrecreation@chesterillinois.com.