The Town of Bridgewater and Village of West Winfield will join the Mohawk Valley Hometown Heroes tribute with banners for veterans.
Last week Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente announced the program is expanding to several communities, including Bridgewater, West Winfield, Sauquoit and Waterville.
Although West Winfield is not in Oneida County, Mayor Sandy Smith said the village was invited to participate.
The new communities join others in the county, including Oriskany Falls, to honor those community members who served in the military. The program began in January 2022 on the idea of Mischael McKenna of Clinton, a member of the Oneida Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The program started with 200 banners and last year reached 750.
“The impact these banners have is immeasurable,’’ McKenna said.
Each banner features the name, military branch, rank and years of service with a photo of the veteran.
Veterans can be living or deceased and still serving to qualify for a banner.
Families, friends or community organizations purchase the banners, which are $150 each. They are displayed in the community for three years from Memorial Day to Veterans Day or longer if a municipality chooses.
Municipalities purchase the hardware to hang the banners.
After three years the purchaser receives the banner.
Banners are available to purchase now through March 31.
To buy a banner, go to www.mohawkvalleyhometownheroes.com.
A second printing of banners, if ordered after March 31, will be done in time for the Fourth of July.
Smith said she’s spoken to Town of Winfield Supervisor Bill Miller about expanding the display area into the town.
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