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Gold Star family urges Prattville to display banners downtown on Memorial Day
Summary
Julianne Hanson, a Gold Star family member, urged the council to ensure existing Gold Star banners honoring fallen service members are displayed downtown on Memorial Day rather than postponed or limited to Purple Heart recipients; councilors expressed sympathy and said they would review the policy.
Julianne Hanson of Hanson Fine Art and Pottery addressed the Prattville City Council during public comment to urge the city to display existing Gold Star banners downtown on Memorial Day for families who have lost service members.
Hanson said her stepson, Kyle, a 2008 Prattville High School graduate and 2012 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy who served as a C-17 pilot, "died from the invisible wounds of service while still on active duty" and is a Gold Star service member. She told the council that last year banners meeting the city's published criteria were placed in storage while banner brackets downtown remained empty.
"I am asking you tonight to not just honor a policy, but a promise to the families who have already given so much. Will you commit to ensuring that all existing gold banners for Gold Star service members are displayed downtown for Memorial Day?" Hanson asked.
Council members expressed condolences and acknowledged the distinction between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. A veteran councilor noted that Memorial Day honors those who died in service and said the downtown should give Gold Star families a place of visible honor. Councilors and the mayor said they would review the policy and speak with staff to determine whether the existing banners can be placed on display for Memorial Day.
No formal action was recorded during the meeting; councilors indicated a willingness to follow up with the mayor and staff about the display policy and implementation.
