New program to honor active-duty military members

New program to honor active-duty military members

Fountain to offer unique program to honor active-duty military members
Posted on 06/08/2018

On Tuesday, the Fountain City Council voted unanimously to create a program that will allow family members to purchase a banner to honor an immediate family member that is currently serving on active duty in any branch of the United States Armed Forces.

The banners, which city staff estimate will cost families about $150 or less, will be displayed on power and light polls along Highway 85/87 in Fountain for about a year, said John Trylch, the city's community engagement manager.

The tributes will be put on display each January and removed in late November, when city utility workers would replace them with holiday decorations, according to a resolution passed by the council.

Trylch said the city hopes to begin accepting applications on Memorial Day.

The banner design is still being finalized, he said.

About 85 spots are available for the banners, and the city would begin placing banners on the south side of the city before proceeding north, he said.

Members of the armed service who lose their lives while on active duty will be honored with special "Gold Star" banners.

City Council member Sharon Thompson proposed the program, which was introduced at an April 10 meeting.

"Fountain has shared a really strong and lasting partnership with the military community in our area, and is just so thankful for the many military service members and veterans who have given so much and who call the Fountain Valley their home," Thompson said in a statement. "We are very proud to create this new banner program honoring the active-duty military members as another way to honor everyone's brave service to our nation."