New York Town Honors Veterans with a Banner Program

Driving through many towns in the Hudson Valley, you may have noticed various banners paying tribute to men and women who served our country displayed on lamp posts and other places.

Town of Esopus, New York, Is Working On A Project Honoring Veterans

Next time you drive through your hometown, take a moment to see if they are hanging banners that pay tribute to a group in your community. If so, you may want to investigate more, especially if you live in and around Port Ewen, New York.

I recently received an email and press release from Danielle Freer, the Supervisor for the Town of Esopus. She shared the exciting news that the Town of Esopus, in conjunction with the American Legion Post 1298, is currently accepting applications for the town's hometown hero banners, which are available on the Town of Esopus website.

Phase Three of The Port Ewen Tribute Banners is Underway

They are getting ready to launch phase three of the project and are looking for applicants for the next round of banners to get hung in town. Danielle also shared that this is a grassroots movement that has already achieved hanging 70 banners along Route 9W, and they are looking forward to adding to that number.

“These banners are a powerful and visible way of honoring the service and sacrifice of our Veterans, It’s an honor to be part of this initiative. (George Post, committee member, former Commander of American Legion Post 1298, and banner honoree via email)

 

You can log onto Esopus.com for a Hometown Heroes application. Stephanie Lettieri is a founding member of the committee, and she shared that the project has sparked meaningful conversations. She says people are sharing stories, reconnecting, and discussing more ways to honor our veterans.

If you know a veteran or active duty member, make sure they know about this program. The deadline for submission is August 31st, 2025. Nominate someone and find out more by visiting Esopus.com.

How to Apply for the Town of Esopus Hometown Heroes

You can also mail your application to: Town of Esopus Hometown Heroes, PO Box 700, Port Ewen, NY 12466. Either way, be sure to make the August deadline. All applicants need to include: Full honoree and applicant information. A high-quality photo of the honoree. The photo will be returned. A Check for $100, made payable to American Legion Post 1298 (Include “Hometown Heroes Banner Program” in the memo line.)

To be eligible, applicants must be military personnel who are currently serving, honorably discharged, retired, or deceased. The honoree should also have a strong connection to the Town of Esopus through residency, schooling, family ties, or business ownership. The goal is to have the third phase applications up by Veterans Day 2025.

For more information, you can contact the Town of Esopus Hometown Heroes Committee Phone: (845) 331-0676 Email: hometownheroes@esopus.com Website: www.esopus.com/hometownheroes.