Framingham unveils 'Hometown Heroes' program featuring banners of military veterans

FRAMINGHAM — The city is launching a new program to recognize military personnel with ties to Framingham.

The so-called "Hometown Heroes" program will feature banners containing the photos of 30 military veterans who currently live in the city, according to police Lt. Robert Downing, who is coordinating the effort. Banners will be hung in prominent locations in the triangular area along Lincoln and Concord streets and Union Avenue, and will remain in place from June through Veterans Day in November.

"We have about 1,500 veterans living in Framingham, and there's no way we could do them all at this time," Downing said. "We're going with the 30 because the biggest goal is to just get this program running."

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The banners, which will measure 18-by-36 inches, will include the military branch in which each veteran served — Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines or Navy — along with their name and rank.

“This is wonderful way for the city to honor those men and women who served in the military,” Mayor Charlie Sisitsky said in a prepared statement. “The program will honor veterans who have selflessly served our country, but the program also will serve as a symbol of gratitude and respect for their courage and dedication to our country, and as a tribute to their unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms.”

Applications are being accepted through May 15

The Hometown Heroes program is being managed by the Framingham Veterans Council, the Framingham Veterans Department and several city employees. There is no cost for the banner for veterans, with Downing saying the modest expense — each of the 30 banners costs about $30 to create — is coming from the mayor's special events account.

The city is accepting applications until 11:59 p.m. on May 15. All honorees must have served in the military and must currently live in Framingham or "have a strong tie" to the city.

To apply, visit https://www.framinghamma.gov/FormCenter/Boards-Committees-Commissions-39/City-of-Framingham-Hometown-Hero-Banner--143.

City officials said decisions on who to honor will be made by conflict; that is, World War II veterans will take priority over those from the Vietnam War or Gulf War. Those not selected this year will be given first priority for new banners in 2025.

Applications must include a photo of the veteran in his or her military uniform. Photos are required for each banner.

Those with questions are asked to email Downing, incoming chair of the Framingham Veterans Council, at robert44downing@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Framingham Hometown Heroes banners will honor 30 living veterans