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DeKALB – The DeKalb Hometown Hero banners program will return to downtown DeKalb for Memorial Day.
The program is a joint project of the DeKalb American Legion Post 66 and the City of DeKalb. It was created to pay tribute to the brave men and women from DeKalb who are serving, have served, or have given their life to our country in one of the United States Armed Forces.
“Each year we have an opportunity to add additional banners as part of this project,” American Legion Commander Daniel Gallagher said in a news release. “These banners feature the service member’s name, photo image, military branch and rank.”
The Hometown Heroes banners will be displayed on Locust Street, Second Street and Third Street in downtown DeKalb. This year will be a special time as it is the 100th anniversary of the DeKalb American Legion.
The deadline to be considered for 2021 is April 10. The goal is to have the 59 previous veteran banners and new banners ready to hang by Memorial Day.
The individual to be recognized must reside or have resided in the city of DeKalb and call DeKalb their hometown. Individuals must have served in any of the following branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard or Coast Guard. They also must meet one of the following conditions:
- Currently, be an active service member
- Be an honorably discharged veteran (DD214 required)
- Died in the line of duty
To register for a banner, request and complete the application form and the release statement. Return the completed forms along with the requested information and payment (once approved) to: DeKalb American Legion Post 66, Attention Post Commander, 1204 S. Fourth St. DeKalb, IL 60115.
Due to the limited number of locations available, a selection committee, appointed by the Post Commander will accept applications and review the application to include both current serving military and veterans from the various branches. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis by the selection committee. Once a selection is made, the military member or veteran family will be contacted and the $100 fee and other information will be required.
For more information, call 815-756-4551.