A small suburb of Saint Louis, Missouri, has launched a big idea to honor current and veteran members of the military, with the hope that it catches on nationwide ahead of the Memorial Day holiday.
The Arnold, Missouri “Hometown Hero Banner” project calls for applicants to apply for a custom banner featuring a military member’s name, picture, and branch of service to be displayed on light poles along a stretch of Michigan Avenue, one of Arnold’s main shopping thoroughfares.
“We are proud to announce the launch of the City of Arnold's Hometown Hero Banner program with the Arnold Veterans Commission,” said Ajsa Roach, deputy director of the Arnold Parks and Recreation Department, in a statement posted on the city’s Facebook page and reviewed by Military.com. “Banners will be proudly showcased throughout Michigan Avenue in between Walmart and Kohl's for the community to see and appreciate.”
Approved applicants pay $100 for the banners, as long as there’s proof of the military member’s residency in the greater Jefferson County area. The banners will be less than 2 feet wide and just more than 3 feet tall, in the colors red, white and blue. There would be a picture of the military member displayed on the front and back, along with information about the person’s service. Listing the member’s military rank and current, retired or memorial status is optional on the application.
“This program is a special way for our community to recognize and honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces,” said Roach on the city’s Facebook page. “Custom banners featuring a veteran’s name, photo, and branch of service will be displayed throughout our community as a visible tribute to their sacrifice and dedication.”
Banner Program Launched Ahead of Memorial Day
The launch of the project is timed ahead of the Memorial Day federal holiday, when the nation pauses each year on the last Monday in May to honor and remember U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the armed forces.
Multiple cities across the U.S. already have similar programs but Roach is hoping Arnold's banner program takes off and spurs even more cities to start their own programs.
“Let’s come together to show our gratitude and ensure our veterans are recognized in a meaningful and lasting way,” she said in announcing the application process on Facebook. “Limited spots available, first come first serve."
This year’s applications include other important fine print.
“Applicants are responsible for submitting accurate information as the banner will be read as noted above,” the application, which has been obtained by Military.com, reads.” Once banners are printed, no changes can be made.”
Limited Banner Space Available
The program's limited banner spots are due to the small number of light poles that the City of Arnold actually owns along Michigan Avenue – just 31 to be exact – with only one military member per pole being featured. Local utility companies own the majority of the other poles throughout the city.
Plans call for the banners to be installed in January 2027 and to stay up through late October or early November of the same year as a pilot program. Depending on the number of applications, the program could be extended annually with new applications every year.
Program organizers also explain that when a banner is taken down, those who purchased it will have the option to keep it for themselves or request to have it displayed the following year again at an additional cost, if space allows.
Applications are available on the Arnold Parks and Recreation Department’s Facebook page, and in person at the Arnold Recreation Center. The deadline to apply is October 30, 2026.
