ALLENTOWN, Pa - The rain came down from a gray sky at Cedar Beach Park as the City of Allentown gathered to honor hometown heroes this Veterans Day on Nov. 11, 2022.
- The City of Allentown gathered to honor veterans with a three-volley salute for Veterans Day
- They took down banners that are part of the Allentown Hometown Heroes Banner Program
- The banners will be put back up in May
The American flag was raised, a bugle played in the background, and three shots were fired from a rifle to the sky to honor those who served in the United States Armed Forces.
Afterward, over 80 of the banners that feature veterans in the community were taken down, as part of the Allentown Hometown Heroes Banner Program. Prior to today, they dotted the streets of Hamilton Boulevard and were hung throughout the park.
The banners showcase a service person’s photograph, name, military branch and era of service. They are a way to honor Allentown veterans and allow the community to recognize them.
“My family came to the United States from Cuba one by one,” said Matt Tuerk, the mayor of Allentown. “One of the ways we entered into citizenship was through military service.”
His grandmother's brothers served in the U.S. Army in World War II, which, according to Tuerk, “secured their love for this country.”
“They’re the best example of service to country above self.”Matt Tuerk, mayor of Allentown
“Veterans are a symbol of strength,” Tuerk said. “I ask Allentown residents to extend kindness to our vets.”
“They’re the best example of service to country above self,” he added.
Lucinda Wright is a special event manager at the mayor’s office who helps coordinate the program. She said “the impact for families and our local vets has been grand.”
She enjoys listening to stories from each family as they apply to the program. “For many of the banners, we have generations,” said Wright. “We have grandfather, father and son in the program that we hang together.”
The banners were displayed from May through Veterans Day. They will be stored until May of next year when they will be hung up once again.