Select Board endorses American Legion veterans‑banner pilot, asks for policy alignment and public input

The Situit Select Board voted to approve a pilot of the American Legion Post 144 “Heroes” banner program, pending execution of a memorandum of understanding and review of sign‑bylaw compliance.

Post 144 members described a program that would place 24‑by‑48‑inch banners honoring verified, honorably discharged veterans on utility poles in and around the town common and other designated locations. The post said the program would be self‑funding, with a $175 sponsorship fee per banner and a warranty covering replacement during a three‑year lifecycle; the post said it would cover banners for gold‑star families and financially eligible veterans.

Peter Burrus, who presented the program, said the post planned a pilot of roughly 40 banners for the common in time for Veterans Day and proposed a steering committee to oversee eligibility screening, pole selection and public‑input processes. He described a screening approach to prevent stolen‑valor incidents and discussed vendor options for single‑ or double‑sided banners and standardized town colors.

Board members raised questions about the town’s sign bylaw (size limits, public vs. private property), tree and pole logistics around the common, and the importance of public input and a balanced steering committee. The board directed staff to check sign‑bylaw compliance and to return a final memorandum of understanding; the motion approved the pilot pending execution of that MOU.

The board and presenters agreed to circulate the draft policy to planning and to schedule public outreach as part of the pilot deployment.