Remembering and Honoring Veterans and Active Military for Our City
Each year, Edwardsville honors those who have served in the military with a regiment of banners displayed along multiple streets through the heart of the City’s business district. The Hometown Hero banners debuted in 2019 and have been enthusiastically embraced by the public.
The 2025 Veteran Recognition Banners are now on display throughout the downtown business district. There are 175 banners currently gracing our light posts that will be on display through Veterans Day. Banner Locations
The patriotic-themed banners include a photo, military branch and the rank of the person being honored. The banners adorn City light posts each year from October through Veterans Day, which is observed annually on November 11.
How to Sponsor a Banner in 2026
Banner submissions for each fall are accepted beginning in mid-May. The registration process to sponsor a veteran or active military member for a banner includes:
- Filling out an online form to provide the honoree's name, military branch and rank
- Submitting a digital photo (high-resolution images with a minimum of 300 DPI)
- 2026 fee will be determined prior to registration opening (to cover the cost of producing the banner and the light post brackets)
The City will begin accepting online submissions and payment for the 2026 banners on May 15, 2026. Each banner will be displayed annually from October through November 11 for four consecutive years.
CONTACT: If you have questions about the program or would like to submit in person, please contact Desiree Gerber, City Administration Office, at City Hall, 2nd Floor, by phone 618-692-7531 or email dgerber@cityofedwardsville.com.
ONLINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR 2025
DEADLINE: Registration for the 2025 banners has closed. Registration for 2026 will open on May 15, 2026.