SOLON — Fresh off celebrating the nation’s independence, the veterans who have defended this country are in the back of many people’s minds. Veterans risked their lives to protect the republic and citizens of America. Often, their recognition is swept under the rug aside from a few holidays during the year that celebrates veterans and others that have given their lives in honor of this country.
The Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 have often come up with ideas to honor the veterans in the area year-round. This includes putting up banners of the veterans on the poles along Main St., Dubuque St., Fifth St., and Highway One. These banners will be hung from summer until November 11th. Post Commander Adam Hopp said, “This program gives their family and friends another opportunity to honor them and will be another shining example of the Solon community’s support for our Veterans.”
Applications to honor a veteran with a banner can be found on the legion website, solonamericanlegionpost460.com, or a hard copy can be found at a kiosk in the Legion. These banners would be for any current or past Solon resident, including the Solon Community School District, area code 52333, and Solon High School graduates.
Hopp said the legion will accept applications all year long. Banners purchased this year will also be put up next year for no additional cost because of the late start to the project this year. The cost for each banner will be $175. This fee will cover the cost of the banner and brackets to hang them up and a portion of the fee will go to the Veteran’s Service Fund. This fund is used by the legion to host various support events and emergency relief efforts for our local Veterans.
Solon City Administrator Scott Kleppe will help the Legion maintain the banners. Kleppe will have a crew responsible for putting up and taking down the banners. Hopp said, “We would like to thank the city, especially Scott Kleppe for their support and help in developing this program.”
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Members of the Swisher Men’s Club placed 50 banners honoring Swisher area veterans on utility poles in Swisher for Veterans Day in 2020. The Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 is looking to do something similar with banners honoring Solon’s veterans going up after Beef Days and remaining up until Veterans Day (Nov. 11).