As Memorial Day approaches, Old Bridge Township has its Hometown Heroes Military Banner Program, which it launched in April of last year.
“This program salutes the brave women and men currently serving or who have previously served our country in the U.S. Armed Forces, officials said on the township website. “This is a tribute for the family and community to honor both past and present members of the Armed Forces and their families.”
The hometown heroes are listed in alphabetical order. Some even took photos with their banners, which are posted on the township’s website including Joseph Yankoski, who served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958; Vincent Polimeni, who served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967; and brothers Nicholas and Christopher Franzese, who are currently serving in the U.S. Air Force. The servicemen took photos with their banners, which are posted on the township website.
Amy Pileggi, daughter of Yankoski, sent a letter to the township, thanking them for organizing the Hometown Heroes program.
“My father, who is 91 years old, was moved when we took him to see all the banners,” she wrote. “His immediate response was, ‘I am so proud to be an Old Bridge resident.’
“He is grateful that Old Bridge is honoring its veterans in such a meaningful way. I can only imagine the amount of work and coordination it took to make this possible.
“Please know that your efforts are appreciated by our family,” she added. “The pride and joy on my father’s face were priceless, and for that, we are truly thankful.”
Eligibility Requirements:
- The individual to be honored must currently reside in Old Bridge Township or have resided in the township.
- The individual must have served in any of the six branches of military service (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, National Guard) including the Reserves.
- The individual must meet one of the following conditions: a) Currently be on active duty (Active Duty Banner), b) Be an honorably discharged veteran (Veteran Banner), c) Died in the line of duty (Memorial Banner)
Banner Design:
- Each unique banner includes the service member’s picture, rank, years of service, and awards. The service branch is depicted with the military emblem.
- Banner placement will be determined by the township
- Banners are 100% made and printed in the USA
- Banner size: 24’x48′ double-sided vinyl
- The Department of Public Works will hang and remove banners each year during the colder months to preserve them
Banner Locations:
Banners will be displayed on light poles throughout the Municipal Complex and surrounding areas. Banner placement is chosen by the township and not guaranteed to be the same each year. Placement locations:
- Municipal Complex
- Cottrell Rd. near Rt. 516
- Rt. 516 near Cottrell Rd.
- Township Parks
- Township Beachfronts
- Please note banners will be taken down shortly after Veterans Day for the winter months and will be put back up before Memorial Day each year.
How to apply/Fees:
- Fill out this application – https://5il.co/3i37w – and return to PublicWorks@OldBridge.com when complete
- Email one clear military photograph of the honoree along with your application
- Required information: Full name/Title/Rank/Era (war fought in)/Branch of Service/Status/Medals/Photo of Honoree
- The township will cover the cost of hardware for each banner. Residents must purchase the banners.
- Banners are $110 each – check or money order made payable to “Old Bridge Township”
- Cash will be accepted in-person only. Exact change only when paying with cash.
- Applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis until the limit for the current year is reached. Any submissions beyond that will be added to a wait list.
- For more information email: PublicWorks@OldBridge.com or call (732) 721-5600 Ext. 6140.
For more information visit OldBridge.com/Hometownheroes.
