Banners of honor celebrate Chamberlain-Oacoma veterans
May 26—CHAMBERLAIN, S.D. — Along the streets of Chamberlain and Oacoma, more than 100 banners ripple in the wind — each one a tribute to a veteran who answered the call to serve.
These Hometown Hero Banners, part of a project launched by the Chamberlain-Oacoma Area Chamber of Commerce in 2022, honor local service members from every branch of the United States Armed Forces.
Recently, a new banner was added to the collection — one honoring Graydon Walter Dyce, a Chamberlain native who served in the 3rd Platoon, Company E during World War II. Dyce was present at the Battle of Iwo Jima, the same unit that raised the flag atop Mount Suribachi in the iconic photo captured by Joe Rosenthal on February 23, 1945.
"While Graydon wasn't one of the six men in the photo, he was there, standing with the Marines who helped turn the tide in the Pacific," said Taryn Reidt of the Chamber. "We're honored to share his story through this banner."
When the program first launched, several fundraisers were held simply to get it off the ground. The goal was to raise over $4,000 — the amount needed to purchase the brackets required to hang the banners.
These banners are not mass-produced; they are individually created in-house by working closely with veterans and their families, capturing the details, emotions, and honor behind each name. They are a 2x4 banner, printed front and back, and hung from light poles throughout the community from Memorial Day through Veterans Day.
The banner Peggy Hanzlik had made in honor of her husband Mike shares that he was in the United States Army, that he was an SP5 and part of the 101st Airborne Division, and that he served in combat in Vietnam from Dec. 21, 1970, through September 11, 1973.
"Through each banner, we preserve not just names, but living legacies — a wall of honor made visible in the heart of our towns," said Reidt.
Since its inception, the program has produced 103 personalized banners. The project paused briefly in early 2023 and again in 2024 due to a lack of space. Banner locations are determined by lottery to ensure fairness.
When the program first began, banners cost $60 each. Now, the cost has risen to $120 due to increased material and installation costs. That price covers design, printing and display. Sponsorships help offset costs when available.
The stories shared through this project are powerful. One mother, while completing the banner application for her son who received a Purple Heart, recalled: "I'll never forget the day we got the call that he was seriously injured. My heart stopped."
Over time, wind and weather have taken a toll on many of the banners. Currently, 58 are too damaged to be rehung, and 13 have gone missing. Families can keep damaged banners, or have them reprinted for $50. The Chamber is working to raise $2,900 to replace them so that families do not have to pay again for banners that were purchased.
"These banners are a heartfelt tribute by the Chamber of Commerce to honor local veterans who've bravely served in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces," said Reidt.
Community support has been strong, according to Reidt. The Wanalain 4-H Club recently donated funds to replace five banners, and the local American Legion Auxiliary contributed $500 to the restoration effort.
"It's inspiring to see young leaders make such a meaningful impact in our community," Reidt said.
To contribute or learn more, contact the Chamberlain-Oacoma Area Chamber of Commerce.
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