MAHOPAC, N.Y.—A tribute to local military veterans that started several years ago as a Girl Scout Gold Award project is finding new life under the auspices of the Mahopac VFW.
The project, known as Hometown Heroes, places 30-by-60-inch banners that pay homage to local veterans on telephone and utility poles throughout town.
Hometown Heroes was the brainchild of Mahopac Girl Scout Olivia Conlin, who launched it in pursuit of her Gold Award with the cooperation of the Town Board, the Highway Department, and the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency. The banners were printed in Mahopac at TG Graphics.
But as the flags deteriorated and needed to be replaced, veterans’ families complained that the cost was too high. Now, the VFW will administer the program, which will be able to offer less expensive banners and funnel any proceeds back into veterans’ programs.
Town Councilman Rob Kearns, who is also vice commander of Mahopac VFW Post 5491, said the banners currently cost $300, with replacements around $250.
He said the group turned to Gail Silke, who runs the banner program for the Carmel hamlet. She has a more affordable vendor, donates proceeds to local veterans’ groups, and helps connect them with service dog programs.
“The VFW will partner with Gail to institute this program,” Kearns said. “The banners will cost $225, and for the first 18 months, a replacement is free. After that, it’s just $140 to replace.”
Kearns said the printing company is veteran-owned, and proceeds will help fund an annual veterans luncheon, which will feature booths with various support organizations providing resources.
“There are a lot of organizations veterans don’t even know exist that help ease their daily burden,” Kearns said. “We will keep all the money within the veterans’ sphere.
“The banners will now look identical to the ones in Carmel, and no politicians will be listed on the banners,” he added.
Kearns stressed that the town of Carmel has no role in the program; however, the Highway Department will continue to donate trucks and labor to hang the banners.
“But the town doesn’t dictate where and when they get hung,” he said.
Kearns said it will be up to the veteran’s family to decide when a banner gets replaced, and the VFW may be able to help if the cost is a barrier.
“Thankfully, we live in a community that supports our veterans,” he said.
Kearns said everything needed to order a banner can be done online at militarytributebanners.org/mahopac.
“They can upload a photo, approve the proof, and then send a check,” he explained. “We just got the first order for seven banners, and we will present the families with the banners and work with the Highway Department to get them hung.”
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