NORTHVALE, NJ — Boy Scout Ryan Ward of Northvale is conducting a Hometown Heroes Banner project honoring borough military veterans as he works towards earning Eagle Scout honors -- and needs his fellow residents' help.
The veterans will be featured on patriotic banners displayed during the borough's centennial celebrations from May through October 2016. Each 18-by-36-inch banner will bear a portrait of the veteran with his or her respective military branch and place of service.The first 26 will be featured on Livingston Street and Paris Avenue. Others will be honored on fences at Veterans Memorial Park and Hogan Park. Ward, who is 14, has been working on the project for over a year, and sought help from Peter Perretti of the American Legion.
"I enjoy seeing the applications come in, recognizing a couple of faces, hearing about people who live in town and learning about Northvale," Ward said. "I plan to give the banners back to the veterans' loved ones when we take them down in October," he said.
Applicants are invited to fill out the form at Borough Hall or at the library and include a picture of the military veteran in uniform. Ward currently has 15 applications from residents. All of veterans so far are male.
The form also acts as a survey, for families. Ward collects information on who was a resident and whether the veterans died while serving.
"The main goal is not to fundraise, but to recognize the people of Northvale who really served," he said.
Banners are $105 each, and feature four background designs that are patriotic, with the fourth style designed for those who were killed in active service, featuring a grave marker. Sponsors can keep the banners afterwards.
Funds are submitted into a sub-account under the borough Beautification Committee.
MORE INFO: Contact Ryan Ward at ryanward519@yahoo.com
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