Project to recognize active duty, retired, honorably discharged service members

By Gwendylan Harmon Special to the Cassville Democrat

The American Legion Post 118 and the City of Cassville are honoring local veterans through the Hometown Heroes Banner Program, a community initiative designed to recognize active duty, retired and honorably discharged service members with personalized banners displayed throughout the city of Cassville.

The project, which organizer John Easley said is the first of its kind in Cassville, will feature military tribute banners hanging from light poles throughout downtown and along Main Street, similar to the seasonal decorations displayed during the holidays. Easley estimates there are currently about 70 banner spaces available, with plans to expand the display into additional areas of town as participation increases.

The idea for the project began after Easley visited family in Pennsylvania and saw similar military recognition banners displayed.

“My wife is from Pennsylvania, and we had gone out there to visit, and they had these banners all the way up and down Main Street in Scranton and into the neighboring towns,” Easley said. “I thought how wonderful it was. Every time I visit, I am just mesmerized, and I cannot even drive, because I am too busy looking at the banners, I want to see who they are.”

Seeing the military tributes displayed publicly throughout those communities inspired him to bring a similar project home to Cassville.

The thought came to him, “How nice would it be if we could do that here and honor our heroes that took the oath and served?” 

Easley said the response from the community has already been encouraging, and he believes the banners will become a meaningful tribute for local families with military ties.

Families, friends, businesses and organizations can sponsor a banner in honor of a veteran. Easley said individuals may also nominate themselves or a friend for recognition.

“Anybody can sign up for their own, or if they want to nominate a friend,” Easley said. “For me, it’s pretty open. We’re easy to work with on this.”

According to the application materials, eligible candidates include veterans from any branch of the United States Armed Forces, including active duty service members, retired veterans and those honorably discharged. The program also includes veterans who were prisoners of war, missing in action or killed in action.

Sponsors are required to provide official military documentation, such as a DD-214 discharge form, along with a photograph of the veteran in uniform. Easley asks for photos to be at least 5-by-7 inches in size and clear enough to reproduce on the banners.

Each banner will measure 18 by 36 inches and will feature the veteran’s name, military branch and photograph. The cost to sponsor a banner is $125, while the City of Cassville is covering the cost of installation hardware and pole brackets.

The banners are expected to remain displayed yearround, except during the holiday season when city crews install Christmas decorations and other displays on the light poles. Once the holiday decorations are removed, the military banners will return to the poles.

Although organizers hope banners can return to their original locations after seasonal removal, Easley acknowledged that exact placement may vary depending on city logistics.

The banners are manufactured with outdoor materials intended to withstand changing weather conditions throughout the year. Easley said the company producing the banners provides a three-year warranty, though he hopes the displays will last considerably longer.

Easley chose Downtown Decorations, a Syracuse, New York-based company, to manufacture the banners after reviewing several options.

“We initially reached out to about three different banner makers, but this was the company that we ended up selecting based on the quality,” Easley said. “Their customer support has been wonderful through this.”

For Easley, the project is also deeply personal.

He plans to sponsor a banner honoring his grandfather, Jean Brock, a World War II veteran who served in the Philippine Islands and later entered Japan following the war’s occupation period. Easley said seeing his grandfather publicly recognized in the community where his family has long roots will be emotional.

Easley’s grandfather served Barry County Electric his whole life.

Easley explained that his grandparents were longtime residents of Cassville and well known throughout the community. His grandmother was Dora Brock.

“Most people know my grandmother because she taught piano to almost everybody in town,” he said.

Remembering his grandfather’s military service and community involvement is one of the main reasons Easley became passionate about launching the banner initiative.

“I just can’t wait to see my grandfather’s banner up — it will be a proud moment,” he said. “I wish my mother were still alive. I know she would love it.

“Barry County and Cassville is a very patriotic location. So many people that were born and raised here, or that have moved here, have served our nation.”

“Many more that are living here have children or grandchildren that are currently serving, so it’s an opportunity for us to recognize all those,” he said.

Applications that are submited by May 19th expected to allow enough time for banners to be produced and installed before the Fourth of July holiday.

Easley emphasized that the May 19 deadline is not the end of the project and that applications will continue to be accepted throughout the year.

He expects public interest to grow once the banners are displayed around town.

“Our hope is people will see them and go, ‘That is so cool. We need to get Papa up there,” Easley said. “So it’s not the deadline, it’s not the end. This is only the beginning, hopefully.”

Applications request information including the veteran’s rank, name, branch of service, years served, military conflicts participated in and any medals or honors received. Sponsors must also provide contact information for the veteran or the veteran’s family representative.

Photo, Form, and Check of $125 dollars must be submitted to: Veterans Banner Committee, C/O John C Easley, 18767 State Hwy E, Eagle Rock, MO 65641.

A photo and form can also be emailed to [email protected], and people seeking more information may each Easley at 479-228-0513.