Community Members Invited to Honor Local Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members with Downtown Avenue Banners and Yard Signs

Hanover, PA – Main Street Hanover is proud to announce that applications are now open for the 2027 Hometown Hero Program, an annual initiative that honors the service, dedication, and sacrifice of local military heroes.

Through the Hometown Hero Program, families, friends, and community members can recognize a loved one who has served or is currently serving in the United States Armed Forces by sponsoring a downtown avenue banner, a yard sign, or both. The program provides a meaningful way for the Hanover community to publicly celebrate the individuals who have dedicated themselves to protecting our nation.

“Every service member has a story of commitment and sacrifice, and the Hometown Hero Program gives our community an opportunity to proudly share those stories,” said Moriah Tyler, Executive Director of Main Street Hanover. “These banners and signs serve as a visible reminder of the incredible men and women connected to Hanover who have answered the call to serve.”

2027 Registration Information

Applications for the 2027 Hometown Hero Program opened July 1, 2026.

Avenue banner registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Only 50 banner locations are available each year, with priority given to service members being recognized for the first time.

Due to the limited number of available telephone poles throughout downtown Hanover, Main Street Hanover reserves the right to install two banners per pole at its discretion in order to accommodate as many participants as possible.

Applications and additional program details are available at:
https://mainstreethanover.org/hometown-heroes/

Hometown Hero Avenue Banner

Cost: $190

Each banner includes:

• 54” × 24” vertical avenue banner
• Professionally printed on durable outdoor banner material

Display Period:
Hometown Hero banners are displayed throughout downtown Hanover from February through October.

Installation begins in early February following the removal of downtown holiday decorations. Banners are removed in early November in preparation for the Christmas season. Once removed, sponsors will be contacted to schedule a pickup appointment. Banners not claimed within 90 days of notification will be forfeited.

Weather conditions may impact installation and removal schedules. Main Street Hanover appreciates participants’ patience and understanding if adjustments are necessary.

Hometown Hero Yard Sign

Cost: $75

Each yard sign includes:

• 18” × 24” vertical double-sided sign
• 4 mm durable corrugated plastic
• Weather, fade, and UV-resistant construction
• Protective glossy coating with a vibrant, scratch-resistant finish
• Plastic yard sign stand

Yard signs will be available for pickup or local delivery in mid-February and may be proudly displayed at home throughout the year.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Hometown Hero Program, the individual being honored must:

• Have served or currently serve in any branch of the United States Armed Forces or National Guard
• Be active duty, retired, or an honorably discharged veteran
• Meet at least one of the following local connection requirements:
  • Be a graduate of a local school
  • Be a current or former resident of the Hanover area
  • Be a property owner in the Hanover area
  • Have been born in the Hanover area

Submission Requirements

Along with the completed application form, participants must submit:

• A clear photograph of the service member in uniform
  • Accepted file formats: .TIFF, .PNG, or .JPG
  • The highest-resolution digital image possible is requested to ensure the best print quality

Program Fees:

• Avenue Banner: $190
• Yard Sign: $75
• Banner & Yard Sign Package: $265

Payment may be made by credit card, cash, or check. Checks should be made payable to Main Street Hanover, Inc.

If the service member being honored is living, they must also complete and sign the required photo release form.

Honoring Those Who Serve

The Hometown Hero Program is a way for the Hanover community to come together in gratitude and recognize the men and women whose courage, commitment, and sacrifice continue to make our community proud.

For questions or additional information, contact Main Street Hanover at mainstreethanover@gmail.com.

To submit an application and learn more about the program, visit:
https://mainstreethanover.org/hometown-heroes/