By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Applications for posting military banners in Decatur next year will be available on Tuesday, Sept. 1, according to an announcement by the Antoine Rivarre Chapter, National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), which sponsors the program.
The applications will be available from 2-5:30 p.m. at the Decatur branch of the Adams Public Library System.
The program honors active-duty military personnel, veterans (living or deceased), KIA, POW, MIA.
“Our chapter appreciates and respects our military members in our community,” said chapter representative Denise Franz.
Return date for the applications – along with photo in uniform, proof of honorable discharge DD 214 Form, and payment is Oct. 7, 2-5 p.m. at the library.
The banner program, which has proven hugely popular, was launched by the Rivarre chapter in 2024. A total of 36 banners were placed on light poles throughout the downtown area.
The program jumped to 53 banners in ’25, then to the 73 – more than double the first year – which are currently posted.
The banners are up from May to November.
When the city workers take down the banners, chapter members call each sponsor to make them aware of the date they will get their banners and pictures returned to them.
“Our chapter is grateful of all the city workers who work hard putting up and taking down the banners,” Franz said.
ONLY ONE: She stressed that the Rivarre Chapter is the only provider of the program.
“Though we reserve the room at the Adams Public Library, Decatur Branch, to pass out and receive the banner applications, the library staff has no participation in the program,” Franz said. “People have tried to give the staff their application, photo.
“Our chapter is very appreciative of the caring and professional staff at our library!”
She also noted that the chapter works very closely with Complete Printing Service in Decatur, “as they are dedicated to providing our chapter and city with high quality banners and service!”
The banners are placed in the downtown area, except for Second St. which, city officials have said, is left open to events that happen each year and special banners that have already been purchased for that area.
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