Hometown Heroes
Banner Program
2026 Orders Are Now Closed Our inaugural class of Hometown Heroes banners is officially on display around the square! Thank you to everyone who participated in making this first year a beautiful tribute to our service members.
Join the Waitlist for Our Next Order Missed the deadline? You can still secure a spot for the future. We are officially accepting waitlist applications and payments for our next round of banners.
Here is what you need to know about the upcoming schedule:
- Our Hope for 2027: We are currently undergoing a major downtown streetscape project. If new lamp posts and space become available after construction is complete, we hope to expand the program and print a new round of banners for the 2027 season.
- The 2028 Rotation: Because each Hometown Hero banner is safely stored and displayed for two full seasons, the current banners on the square will go up again in 2027. If we cannot add new poles next year, our next official order and rotation will take place for the 2028 season, at which point the current banners will be retired and given to the families as a permanent keepsake.
Banners are placed on a first-come, first-served basis based on the waitlist order. Submit your form and payment today to ensure your hero is included in our next installation!
Main Street Washington’s Military and Veteran Banner Program
The Main Street Washington Design Committee is proud to announce it is now accepting applications for its commemorative banner program. This initiative is designed to recognize and honor the brave men and women who are currently serving, or have previously served, in the United States Armed Forces.
The program serves as a visible tribute to our veterans, military personnel, and the families who share deep ties to the Washington area. Each banner features a photo of the honoree, along with their name, branch of service, and years of military tenure or war served.
These are the photos we have received thus far, if you purchased a banner but haven't sent in your photo please do so & we'll update this page. Thank you!
Qualifications
To be eligible for the Military and Veteran Banner Program, one of the following criteria must
be met:
- The Honoree is an active-duty member of the United States Armed Forces.
- The Honoree is a retired, deceased, or honorably discharged veteran who currently resides—or previously resided—in Washington or Washington County.
- The Applicant is a current resident or a business owner based in Washington.
Banner Style and Display
Each banner is a double-sided, full-color, 18” x 45” display, custom-made using a photo provided by the applicant.
- Timeline: Banners will be installed on the decorative light poles throughout the Main Street district on or around Memorial Day and will remain on display through Veterans Day.
- Duration: Banners will be displayed for two consecutive seasons.
- Availability: We are currently honoring up to 20 service members. Banners are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis upon receipt of payment. There is a limit of one banner per honoree.
Cost and Photo Requirements
- Cost: $200 per banner for a two-year period. This fee covers the purchase of the banner, professional installation, and ongoing maintenance.
- Giving Back: A portion of the proceeds serves as a contribution to the English River Outfitters HERO program.
- Photo Details: Applicants must provide a high-quality photo. While a photo of the honoree in uniform is recommended, it is not required.
- Digitization Support: If you do not have a digital copy, please bring your physical photo to the Main Street Washington office at 120 East Main Street, and we will digitize it for you.
How to Apply
Main Street Washington will begin accepting applications in February 2026.
- Payment: Payments must be received for the application to be fully processed.
- Checks: Please make checks payable to Main Street Washington.
- Tax Info: Donations are considered tax-free/tax-deductible to the greatest extent allowed by law.
Disclaimer and Retrieval
Main Street Washington and the City of Washington are not responsible for replacing banners that are stolen, damaged, or destroyed due to sun exposure, weather, age, vandalism, or acts of nature beyond our control. At the conclusion of the second year, every effort will be made to return the banner to the honoree or the applicant.
As a Main Street America™ accredited program, Main Street Washington is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ accredited programs meet a set of national accreditation standards of performance as outlined by the national Main Street Center.
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Developed and Maintained by The Dig Studios.
A local company in Washington, Iowa.