Set Up Guide

Hometown Heroes Banner Program

Program Overview: Hometown Heroes Banner Programs provide communities with a visible and powerful way to honor local Veterans and active-duty service members. By displaying personalized banners along Main Streets, in city squares, or near community gathering places, these programs celebrate sacrifice and service while bringing civic pride to life. Families gain a public tribute for their loved one, and cities or organizations strengthen their role as keepers of remembrance and community spirit.

Set Up Guide for a Hometown Heroes Banner Program

1. Define Your Program's Vision & Purpose

The foundation of a successful Hometown Hero banner program is clarity. Setting expectations early ensures the program runs smoothly and builds trust with families.

Choose Display Locations: Identify high-visibility areas such as Main Street light poles, central plazas, or near veterans memorials.
Set Banner Standards: Define banner size, materials, design templates, and how honoree photos and names will appear.
Clarify Eligibility: Decide if the program honors veterans, active-duty members, fallen heroes, or all of the above. Publish criteria so families know who qualifies.
Make Costs Transparent: Families should know what their dedication includes. Pricing typically covers the cost of the banner, printing, installation, and seasonal care.
Showcase Impact Visually: Share design mockups and photos of past banners to help families imagine how their Hero will appear in public spaces.

Did You Know?

Many cities rotate banner displays seasonally, which keeps the program fresh and allows more families to participate over time.

2. Make the Process Easy for Families

Families participate in a banner program because they want to honor someone who served—your role is to make that process as simple and reassuring as possible.

Online Webpage: Create a central webpage where families can learn about program details, view banner templates, and submit honoree information.
Application Form: Provide donors with a form to submit key details you need to approve their eligibility and the content you need to print the banner (Name / Branch / Photo)
Offer Online Payments: Allow donors to check out online with credit/debit cards, ACH Transfer, and automatically provide tax receipts.

Manage Memorial Programs Effortlessly

Digital tools simplify the process of running a banner program. With a central system, organizers can track applications, store honoree details, manage payments, and schedule installations. This reduces errors and ensures each tribute is recognized accurately.

3. Keep Your Program Running Smoothly

The long-term success of a Hometown Heroes Banner Program depends on clear systems and consistent communication. Without strong organization, details such as honoree information, display locations, or rotation schedules can easily be misplaced, creating frustration for families and extra work for staff. By putting a reliable process in place, administrators save time, reduce miscommunication, and ensure every banner is handled with respect.

Keep Track of Hero Banners: Maintain accurate records of honoree details, banner designs, and display locations. A clear record system reduces errors and makes it easier to manage rotation schedules.
Coordinate Installations: Work with crews or vendors to install banners accurately and on time and stay on top of maintenance schedules.
Celebrate and Share: Recognition can go beyond the banners themselves. Many communities host dedication ceremonies, publish names online, or feature stories in newsletters and social media posts to highlight the program’s impact.