By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
The highly popular Veterans Banner Program is returning to Decatur for 2027.
The local Antoine Rivarre Chapter, Inc. of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), in partnership with the City of Decatur, is handling the program for its third year.
A total of 73 veterans will be honored with banners displayed on downtown poles from Memorial Day through Veterans Day in 2027.
Meanwhile, city employees began putting up the 2026 banners on Tuesday, but the effort was halted by rain.
“Hopefully, we can have them all up by next week,” Street/Sanitation Superintendent Matt Schultz told city council Tuesday night.
The program has grown immensely, from 36 banners the first year to 53 this year, the second year, and now, to 73 for 2027..
The DAR donated funds to purchase additional brackets to hold the banners, allowing for more banners to be displayed next year than ever before.
The program is coordinated by the local DAR chapter, with applications opening in September for the following year.
“Great shout out to to the local DAR chapter for all the work they do on this,” Mayor Dan Rickord said. “And to our city employees for putting the banners up. The banners are a great addition to our downtown.”
The DAR/city announcement said community members can sponsor a banner in honor of a veteran, then sponsors keep the banner at the end of the season.
Details of this year’s application process will be announced later.
For more information, contact Denise Franz of the local DAR Chapter: (260) 223-0947.
The program honors active-duty military personnel, veterans living and deceased, KIAs, POWs and MIAs.
The banners are placed in the downtown area, except for Second St. which, city officials have said, are left open to events that happen each year and special banners that have already been purchased for that area.
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