3 days ago
Hometown Heroes expanding in Ashtabula County
American Legion posts in Andover and Orwell have added to the Hometown Heroes banners that spring up throughout northeast Ohio.
Banners were recently posted in the two villages after they were seen in other communities.
'To date, 100 banners have been created and displayed. The banners are put up before Memorial Day and taken down in the fall,' said Rosemary Jones, secretary/treasurer of the Orwell American Legion Auxiliary, who helped coordinate the project with Tom Jones.
The banners in Orwell are displayed on routes 45 and 322.
'This is a fitting tribute to all of the servicemen, many of who fought and died to keep our country free,' according to a press release from the post. 'This project is a reminder to all Americans of the sacrifice our local men and women make to ensure the freedoms we enjoy.'
The Orwell American Legion Post 719 partially financed the program, reducing the price for a family.
Andover American Legion Percy D. Hyatt Post 226 created a similar arrangement with their members, post member William French. said.
Post commander Bob Hitchcock coordinated the program, and said he appreciated the assistance of village workers, who helped put the banners up around village square and surrounding main routes.
French said the post started working on the project late last year.
'We just decided it was a good idea,' he said.
Sixteen banners were hung in late April or early May. French said they were up for Memorial Day, and people enjoyed seeing the banners.
'It has created a lot of interest,' he said.
