The City of Loveland’s Hometown Hero Military Banner Program has debuted.
Banners are located on utility poles along Loveland-Miamiville Road and Paxton Avenue/Oakland Avenue/State Route 48. The banners honor 33 Loveland residents who are serving or who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The individuals currently reside or have resided within the City of Loveland’s corporation limits or within the Loveland City School District.
“I am thrilled that the City of Loveland and its Veterans Memorial Committee have found a way to honor local service men and women who heard the call of duty and answered it. They deserve our respect and gratitude for making it possible for us to live free and safe in the greatest country on earth. This program is a small step to recognize these local heroes,” said Mayor Kathy Bailey.
The project was envisioned by the city’s Veterans Memorial Committee. Committee members wanted a way to honor military members year-round instead of two days per year (Memorial Day and Veterans Day), according to Terry Stouder, committee chair.
“We are proud these banners recognize past and present service members of Loveland. When people look up and see a banner, they can think of that hero and their own family members and friends that have served this country,” Stouder explained.
The committee worked for three years on the banner program, coordinating everything from utility pole inspection with Duke Energy to banner design and application review. Stouder explained committee members are excited and grateful to see their idea become a reality.
“I'd like to thank the city for allowing our committee to foster a program that honors past and present Loveland veterans. Also, I'd like to thank the committee members who worked so hard on the banner program,” Stouder said.
The program is supported by the Duke Energy Foundation, which provided $7,500 in grant funding to help offset the banners’ printing, mounting hardware, and installation fees. In addition, the American Legion Post #256 donated $3,000 toward the inspection and approval of utility poles.
For more information about the program, please visit https://lovelandoh.gov/494/Hometown-Hero-Military-Banner-Program or contact (513) 707-1437.