Have you noticed banners with the faces of women and men looking down upon you from various poles as you drive through the center of town, and just beyond? These are the faces of New Fairfield’s very own Hometown Heroes – women and men serving, or who have served, in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Next time you’re at the New Fairfield Public Library, or stopping in the Office of the Town Clerk, take a moment to look at the banners and see the faces of those who have proudly served our Nation; take a moment to honor these brave women and men.
Established in 2019 by the Town of New Fairfield Board of Selectmen’s Office, the Military Hometown Hero Banner Program honors and recognizes hometown Veterans and active-duty members of the United States Armed Forces. Banners, donning the official military photo of the service person, as well as their name and branch of service, are displayed throughout the center of Town and beyond from Memorial Day through Veteran’s Day. “I would routinely pass through towns that honored veterans with banners and thought this is something our Town should have,” First Selectman Patricia Del Monaco said. In its first year, the banners were hung in time for Veteran’s Day; now they are displayed many months and their reach is extending beyond the Town’s Center. Ms. Del Monaco noted that the Town has not had to retire any banner since the inception of the Program. “The Department of Public Works takes very good care of the banners once they are taken down,” she said.
Any New Fairfield resident can honor a family member Veteran or active service member. To qualify, the honoree must currently serve as an active-duty member of the United States Armed Forces or is a Veteran, and she or he must currently reside in New Fairfield or have an immediate family member (parent, spouse, sibling, daughter or son) residing in New Fairfield.
The Program and calls for honorees are publicized through the Town’s social media, on its website, and printed in Ms. Del Monaco’s column in this publication. The Town splits the cost of the banner with the sponsor family. For more information on the Program, and costs, please call Ms. Jean Green in the Selectman’s Office at (203)312-5600. The Banners are printed by New Fairfield’s own Godfather Promotions.
Thank you to all the women and men who have served, who are currently serving and to their families; thank you for your service and sacrifice.
By Michelle L. Santoro