Select Board approves pilot for American Legion Post 144 'Hometown Heroes' banner program pending MOU

The Scituate Select Board voted unanimously to approve a pilot “Hometown Heroes” banner program proposed by American Legion Post 144, the board said, contingent on the execution of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will define installation responsibilities, siting and bylaw compliance.

A representative of American Legion Post 144, who identified himself as a vice commander of the post, told the board the program is intended to honor verified, honorably discharged U.S. military veterans with 24-by-48 banners and to be self-funding through individual purchases or sponsorships. “The cost we're proposing is that the fee for a veteran or friend to sponsor a veteran will be $175,” the vice commander said, adding that the post expects banners to be warrantied for three years and will replace damaged banners and cover installation when required.

The presenter described two paths to eligibility: veterans who lived in or currently live in Scituate, including part‑time residents; or veterans who are sponsored by a direct Scituate relative (parent, sibling or child). He said the post will validate service records to guard against stolen valor and plans to subsidize banners for Gold Star families or veterans in financial need.

Board members pressed on logistics and policy. One Select Board member noted the town’s existing sign bylaw allows 24-by-36 signs (six square feet) and said the board will check whether the proposed banner dimensions require a bylaw amendment or an explicit exception. “We currently have a sign bylaw,” the Select Board member said, and the board agreed to fold banner language into the town’s flag/banner policy and to review legal implications before final execution.

Another board member who drafted the MOU summarized the process: the town counsel reviewed and adjusted the draft, and the board agreed it would approve the pilot in concept pending the signed MOU that will specify which locations are allowed, who is responsible for installation and how the town will handle public input and design review.

The presenter proposed a limited 2026 pilot timed for Veterans Day with roughly 40 banners placed initially around the town common, at Ed Wulff Cemetery and on First Parish Road to test vendor performance and logistics. “We want to run a pilot program in 2026,” he said, adding that requests exceeding the initial cap would be waitlisted for 2027.

Members also discussed installation capacity and public concerns. Town officials and board members said professional installers should be used because DPW staffing is limited; the post offered to pay for installation costs if the DPW performs the work. A public commenter who identified himself as a longtime professional pole lineman praised the plan’s attention to pole safety and urged careful site selection.

Public input was encouraged: board members recommended a public information session at the VFW to solicit feedback and emphasized that the program should remain nonpolitical and focused on individual veterans rather than organizations.

Motion and vote: Michelle Playle moved to adopt the pilot program for American Legion Post 144’s Hometown Hero program pending the signature of the MOU; Dr. Konashenko seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously in favor.

Next steps: Town counsel will finalize the MOU and return the executed document to Post 144; the board will verify bylaw alignment and steering-committee composition before banners are installed.