Select Board backs ‘Hometown Hero’ banner program, asks for sample before installation

The Harwich Select Board voted to support a new “Hometown Hero” military banner program that will let families or sponsors purchase and display personalized tribute banners honoring local service members and veterans.

Jim presented the proposal, saying the banners would carry a photograph, name, branch, rank and era of service and would be displayed on designated poles in Harwich Center and Harwichport from about May through November. He said the program is intended to be fee supported, with applicants paying for banner costs and the town’s DPW handling installation, maintenance and removal. “Banners would feature the honoree’s photograph, name, branch of service, rank, and era of service,” Jim said during the presentation.

Board members questioned placement and size; Jim said banners measure roughly 30 inches by 48 inches and that the town will place an American flag on the opposite side of the pole. The board discussed family requests for specific pole placement and vandalism contingencies; Jim said the town would not charge families to replace vandalized banners.

Chair moved to support the program contingent on administration providing a physical sample and final guidelines. The motion passed on a voice vote. The board instructed staff to finalize application materials, establish a payment flow into a town gift/grant account, and coordinate pole locations with utility owners and DPW.

The town administrator said no new appropriation is expected: the program will be fee supported and will proceed only after administration confirms manufacturing quality and pole agreements.

The board’s approval is contingent on the administration returning with a sample banner and finalized guidance before any general rollout.