Each holiday, the American Legion posts the American and military branch flags on the light posts along Main Street, additionally removing and caring for the flags throughout the year. Unfortunately, many of us see the flags but miss another special tribute: “Plaques of Honor.” Back in 2013, the American Legion
Back in 2013, the American Legion started their “Plaques of Honor” program. Anyone who has walked or driven Main Street passed those very plaques, most of us unknowingly. This spring, the American Legion hopes to direct the community’s attention to the plaques and renew their tribute to all veterans represented now and for many years to come. Twenty-nine light posts along Main
Street bear flag brackets for the flags. On the sidewalk side of those posts, each bracket hosts up to four individual placards, currently; although, the American Legion may add more in the future of the program. Honorary placards display the rank and name, military branch, and years of service for each veteran. Veterans honored through the program may be locals, friends or family members of locals, or any veteran someone wishes to honor through a committed sponsorship. The fee for plaque creation and placement costs $35. For each placard sponsored, the American Legion commits to maintaining the plaque for years to come, including the cleaning, repair, and replacement of placards when necessary. Due to ongoing maintenance expenses, an annual maintenance fee costs $20, with the renewal due each spring.
In addition to sponsoring a veteran, anyone who does not know or desire to pay tribute to a specific veteran may donate money to the American Legion for the creation and care of placards for veterans without family, on behalf of veterans whose placard caretakers have passed away, or simply to honor all veterans. Throughout April and May, the American Legion will place donation jars at business and organization locations throughout the community for convenient, anonymous donation. Moreover, anyone wishing to donate directly by cash, check, or card to the “Plaques of Honor” program may contact the American Legion directly. Legion Adjutant Robert Mason may be reached at 515-537-5238, and Commander Justin Adair may be reached at 918-807-9224.