El Cajon to launch ‘Faces of Freedom’ veterans banner program; applicants pay $200 fee

The El Cajon City Council on Sept. 19 received a staff report on a pilot “Faces of Freedom” banner program that will display banners honoring veterans near City Hall and the Public Safety Center.

Julia Lawn, deputy director of parks and recreation, said the pilot will place double-sided, full-color banners on existing poles on Soulsfield and Rhea streets. The banners will feature an honoree photo, name, branch of service and service dates; Lawn said banners will measure 30 by 72 inches and will be displayed for 12 months.

To be eligible, Lawn said, the honoree, applicant or a direct family member must have a City of El Cajon residency connection or be a member of a local 501(c)(19) military organization. Honorees may not have a dishonorable discharge or violent felony convictions. Applicants will submit an online form, provide proof of eligibility and pay a $200 fee, Lawn said; the fee covers design, printing, installation and removal. After the display period the city will either return the retired banner to the honoree or recycle it.

“The banners will include the photo, the honoree’s name, and their branch of service,” Julia Lawn said, and staff will maintain a webpage listing honorees, their rank and service dates, and whether they were past El Cajon Veterans of the Year.

Councilmember questions confirmed the program is fee-funded; staff said applicants’ fees cover program costs. The council voted unanimously to receive the report.

Staff recommendations for program implementation will follow; Lawn asked for council feedback on the pilot’s eligibility rules and display logistics.