This fall, the streets of Lakeland will become more than just roadways connecting neighborhoods, they’ll become a tribute to the men and women who answered the nation’s call to serve.
The City of Lakeland has announced the launch of its inaugural Hometown Heroes Banner Program, giving residents the opportunity to publicly honor family members and loved ones who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Beginning July 20, residents can apply to sponsor a commemorative banner recognizing a veteran or active-duty service member with ties to Lakeland. Each banner will feature the individual’s name, photograph, branch of military service, and either their years of service or a personal message of appreciation.
The banners will be installed throughout the city in September, creating a moving display of patriotism leading up to Veterans Day. After Veterans Day, the banners will be carefully removed and stored for future use. Beginning in 2027, the City plans to display the banners annually from Memorial Day through Veterans Day.
Mayor Josh Roman said the program is about ensuring the sacrifices of local military members are never forgotten. “The Hometown Heroes Banner Program is a meaningful way for our community to recognize the men and women who have served our country,” Roman said. “These banners will serve as a visible reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans and active-duty military members while allowing families to celebrate their loved ones in a lasting and public way and create a new tradition for Lakeland.”
To be eligible, the honored individual must have lived in Lakeland at some point during their lifetime and must either be currently serving on active duty or be an honorably discharged veteran, living or deceased. The program is open to members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
The City will accept applications for the first year of the program through August 15, with only 50 banner locations available. Spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis after eligibility is verified. Families can sponsor a banner for $100, which helps offset a portion of the production costs. The City will oversee every aspect of the program, including application review, banner production, installation, removal, and storage.
City officials hope the program will become a cherished tradition, offering residents a chance to share the stories of those who served while creating a lasting visual reminder of Lakeland’s deep appreciation for its military families.
Applications are available now on the City of Lakeland’s website. Residents seeking additional information or wishing to apply are encouraged to do so early, as the inaugural program is limited to 50 participants.
