Oyster Bay Town Banners To Honor 'Hero' Military Members

OYSTER BAY, NY — Numerous veterans and active duty military personnel will be recognized as heroes through banners hung around various parks in the Town of Oyster Bay.

Ahead of Veterans Day, Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Steve Labriola on Thursday announced the launch of the town's new "Hometown Heroes’ Community Recognition Program." The initiative will recognize the service and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces, both those who are still alive and those who have died. All will be current or former town residents.

"My Town Board colleagues and I are so proud to bring this project to the Town of Oyster Bay to help further shine a light on the sacrifices made by those who have served our nation to protect our freedoms," Labriola said in a statement. "This initiative will bring together an amazing collaboration of local heroes, and I look forward to further recognizing our veterans, active duty service members, and their families for their commitment to defend our freedoms and democracy."

Anyone can nominate a hero. A sponsorship costs $75. To nominate someone for the "Hometown Hero" initiative, people can fill out a sponsorship application. A form is available on the town's website and can also be downloaded and mailed to: Town of Oyster Bay, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa, NY 11758.

Applications must include a photo, proof of residency and military service, and payment, along with the completed application. Submissions must be accepted by March 5.

Banners will bear the name, rank, photograph and area of service and will be displayed at selected parks in the months leading up to Veterans Day next year.

No profit is made from this program. The town will maintain the banners, which will remain on display until Veterans Day. They will then be taken down and returned to the family or their loved ones.

"This is an especially meaningful way to honor those who bravely and selflessly served our nation," Saladino said. "Together as a community we will honor the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who sacrificed a great deal for our nation, as well as many local veterans who continue to serve our community and their fellow veterans through advocacy efforts."

For more information, call 516-624-6380