The Town of Pilot Mountain is seeking to honor those from the town and its surrounding areas who have served or are serving in the United States Armed Forces by recognizing them as Hometown Heroes.
The Hometown Heroes Banner Program is now accepting nominations for individuals to be recognized with a banner bearing the nominee’s name, a photograph (if provided) and the branch of military in which they have served or are serving. Banners are to be displayed on Pilot Mountain’s Main Street in locations to be determined by the town.
Nominees must consider or have considered Pilot Mountain as their hometown but may include residents of surrounding communities such as, but not limited to, Shoals, Westfield, Ararat and Siloam.
Persons nominated must have served in Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard or Coast Guard. Nominees may be in active service or be an honorably discharged veteran or have died while in service to their country.
Cost of each banner is $125, which will include installation and removal. Sponsorships and tax-free donations will be used to help facilitate the cost of banners as needed. Sponsors may designate a specific person or family or donations may be made for use as needs arise. An application form for the designated veteran will be required for sponsorships. All applications, payments and images for the current year should be received by July 31.
Banners for the initial period will be displayed from Patriot Day (Sept. 11) through Veteran’s Day and from Memorial Day through Veteran’s Day 2021. Banners will be taken down and stored during winter months. At the end of the two-year period, each banner will be retired and given to the person making the nomination.
The project was conceived by Pilot Mountain Town Commissioner Donna Kiger who presented it to Main Street Coordinator Jenny Kindy for help with implementation. Kiger, who comes from a military family, noted that she often searches for ways to support veterans including having served some who are disabled.
“This is a nice way for our small town to honor our service members who call Pilot Mountain home,” Kindy said. “We hope this program will show gratitude for the sacrifices these men and women and their families have made for our country and our freedom.”
Through her family, Kiger has seen service in multiple branches of the military. Her father had served in the Navy during the Vietnam War while her grandfather served in the Army, in Germany during World War II, and an uncle served in the Marines. Her son, Tyler Kiger, now serves in Japan as a technical sergeant in the Air Force.
“I still remember,” she said, “how hard it can be on a family moving around. There was some anger toward my father but we also received a lot of support. Sometimes, we can forget the sacrifices that are made.”
“What amazes me after serving and getting to know some disabled veterans,” Kiger continued, “is when they get out, even if they can’t work, they still do whatever they can to help other veterans. Most humbly continue to represent the military and their country.”
Anyone wishing to nominate a Hometown Hero may obtain an online application by visiting the Town of Pilot Mountain web site and using the link on the Visitors/Discover Downtown page. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. After the application is processed, an email will be sent containing information on how to submit supplemental information. Banner displays are limited to 25 per cycle with another cycle scheduled to begin in November of 2021.
“We’ve already had some sponsor applications and some people have called offering their support and to donate,” Kiger said. “People are excited to be able to honor our veterans and to have the town behind this. I’m happy to see us celebrating our veterans.”
Source: https://www.mtairynews.com
Be First to Comment