Municipalities throughout Northeast Pennsylvania for years have proudly put their hometown heroes on display with banners affixed to utility poles.
Now, many of them are online with the launch of NEPAHometownHeroes.com, a project designed to coincide with Memorial Day.
The banners of hundreds of military veterans from the region are included on the new website.
“This digital platform serves as a lasting tribute, preserving the legacy of veterans’ banners displayed in towns across the region,” founder Tom Obrzut Jr., said.
Nanticoke City Hometown Heroes banners. (Courtesy of NEPAHometownHeroes.com)
West Pittston Hometown Heroes banners. (Courtesy of NEPAHometownHeroes.com)
Hometown Heroes banners in East Union Twp. and North Union Twp. in Schuylkill County. (Courtesy of NEPAHometownHeroes.com)
Dalton Hometown Heroes banners. (Courtesy of NEPAHometownHeroes.com)
While various companies have created banners for municipalities in the region, NEPAHometownHeroes.com features the ones made by On Deck Graphics in Exeter.
Most include veterans from Luzerne County municipalities, including Courtdale, Dupont, Exeter, Exeter Twp., Forty Fort, Hanover Twp., Kingston, Larksville, Luzerne, Nanticoke, Newport Twp., Plymouth, Plymouth Twp., West Pittston, West Wyoming, and Wyoming.
Among the banners featured is the one dedicated to U.S. Army 1st. Lt. Jeffrey Deprimo, of Pittston, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in May 2008.
The website, which is expected to grow, also has banners of veterans from Dalton in Lackawanna County, East Union Twp. and North Union Twp. in Schuylkill County, and Montrose in Susquehanna County.
“We believe in the power of storytelling to connect generations and celebrate the enduring spirit of our veterans,” Obrzut said. “Our platform fosters unity and gratitude, ensuring that the legacy of our hometown heroes lives on … “It’s more than a gallery; it’s a tribute to the men and women who served with honor.”