EASTHAMPTON — Last winter, some of the money raised from a military tribute banner project was put toward buying new boots and wool socks for three Easthampton veterans who couldn’t afford them.

Now, for the sixth year, the banners are once again hanging on downtown poles, honoring around 50 veterans and raising money for their benefit. 

“These guys give several years of their life, or even give their lives, and it’s the least we can do to honor them in a nice way,” said Police Sgt. Chad Alexander, who runs the program. “That’s the most important thing, just recognizing them, but then also raising money to be able to give back to them.”

Alexander stumbled upon the idea for the program several years ago on a trip down to Cape Coral, Florida where his family regularly vacations. There, he noticed banners honoring veterans from the city.

“I took a liking to it,” he said. “I’ve always been involved with our veterans here locally, and I thought that was a great idea.”

So, Alexander got in contact with the owner of the nonprofit running the program, which is made up entirely of veterans and active-duty military members, including the owner himself who is former military.

“What inspired me was just the fact that, you know, our veterans don’t get enough hometown praise that they should … This was a way, for the whole summer, for people to see the faces of our local heroes,” he said.

Each year, around 50 banners are hung on Cottage Street, Main Street and a section of Park Street, where they are hung prior to Memorial Day and remain until at least Veteran’s Day.

“The neat thing about the program is you’ll see pictures of people that are just coming out of boot camp and brand new to it, or people that have died. We had some that died over 80 years ago, so it’s pretty cool … It keeps memories alive and honors our new people coming into it.”

Participants pay $150 to sponsor a banner and they are free to keep it once the banners are taken down around November.

The money covers the cost of printing, materials and shipping, which comes to around $100, and any leftover money or additional donations throughout the year is given to local groups like the Easthampton Veterans Center and the American Legion, along with Easthampton veterans themselves.

In years past, the program has raised around $3,000 for donations to veterans around the city. Through 2022, the program has donated around $15,000 in total.

Even more palpable than the financial help, according to Alexander is the emotional impact of the banner program.

“When we were putting [the banners] up, I had one guy get out of the car bawling his eyes out, like a 70-year-old guy … he was overcome with emotion,” said Alexander.

“After Vietnam, everybody hated the military. They wanted them out of there and obviously they didn’t get any kind of warm welcome. You know, he’s crying because to see his face and the fact that his city’s honoring him, it’s just that is most important.”

Maddie Fabian can be reached at mfabian@gazettenet.com or on Twitter @Maddie Fabian.]]>