Hometown Happenings with George Hoehmann, Supervisor, Town of Clarkstown

Honoring Those Who Honor Us

Last year, the Town of Clarkstown became the first Town in New York to launch a banner program to honor our local veterans and those currently serving our nation in the United States Armed Forces.   Residents or businesses can sponsor a veteran or active duty service member with a military tribute banner.  The banners will be displayed on the light posts in downtown Central Nyack, Congers, Nanuet, New City, and West Nyack from Memorial Day to Veterans Day.

Every banner honors a different veteran or active duty service member by displaying their photo, branch of service, and military service information.  Local families and businesses can sponsor a banner which are given to the family or sponsor after Veteran’s day.

For me, the best part about this program has been meeting the veterans themselves each humbled by the recognition as well as the proud children and spouses of veterans, and parents of the brave young men and women currently serving our nation today.  Each family has heartfelt memories and stories of their loved one and their service. I have enjoyed meeting with all of them, putting together their banners, and learning about their loved ones. One resident, Mrs. Okerland honored both her husband, a WWII veteran and her father, a WWI veteran. Her remembrance of their sacrifices long ago was touching.

The banners are a small way we, as a community, can acknowledge the sacrifice many of our neighbors have made serving our Country.  Our local veterans and active duty service members are our true heroes, and this program allows Clarkstown to proudly honor them all throughout the Town.

Susan Branam, Deputy Director of the Rockland County Veteran’s Service Agency, said the following about the program, “I think it’s wonderful to have this banner program because it’s so important and so powerful for the community to accept veterans and make us part of the community and I think the banners recognize our service.”

I have received numerous emails and pictures from family members who surprised their loved ones by taking them to Main Street to see their banner proudly displayed.  It has been wonderful to see family and friends gathering in downtown to admire the banners and most importantly pay tribute to their heroes.

It gives me great pride to know that our veterans and service members feel appreciated in Clarkstown.  Thank you to all the families and businesses who have participated in the program.  Our partnership will continue to prove our commitment to veterans, service members, and their families.

We hope you will consider joining us in honoring those who have honored us. For more information about the program or to sponsor a banner, please call my office or visit www.clarkstown.org and click the military tribute banners logo.

  Clarkstown, george hoehmann, Hometown Happenings, town of clarkstown