Whitehall Township has taken another step forward to honor veterans by creating a Hometown Heroes banner program.

Whitehall Mayor Michael Harakal Jr. said the program serves as a tribute to recognize servicemen and women from Whitehall Township who have served or who are serving in a branch of the military.

Individual banners, measuring 30 inches by 60 inches, will honor specific Whitehall servicemen and women with their picture, branch of service and era of service. The banners will be displayed on utility poles from Memorial Day through Veterans Day of this year.

After Veterans Day, the banners will be returned to the banner’s sponsor. The banner can be posted at no cost again in 2023 if the sponsor chooses to participate. If the sponsor wants the banner posted beyond two years, there will be a small stipend charged for 2023 and beyond.

The cost of the banner sponsorship is $250 and includes the banner and mounting fixtures.

A dedication is planned during the township’s Memorial Day service May 30.

Whitehall Township Recreation Director Tony Cocca, along with Harakal, spearheaded the banner program.

“It was Mike’s idea,” Cocca said. “He asked me to help coordinate the plan.”

Applications for a banner can be requested through the Whitehall Township Recreation Bureau, 3219 MacArthur Road, or by calling 610-437-5524, ext. 1135.

Cocca noted applications will be accepted until Feb. 28 and will only be processed with a fully completed application. No money or picture are required at the time of application.

In 2022, Cocca added, there will be a lottery for 30 banners that will be displayed on poles. Five names will be selected from each of the six villages - Egypt, Cementon, Stiles, Hokendauqua, West Catasauqua and Fullerton - that comprise Whitehall.

In 2023 and subsequent years, 30 more sponsors will be selected.

Cocca also noted the person’s service time must have occurred when they were a resident of Whitehall. For example, if a veteran was in the service when he or she resided in another municipality, but then moved to Whitehall after the military service, he or she is not eligible for a banner.

It is expected the banners will be placed around the township’s park areas in the respective village.

In another veterans event, Harakal said there are plans being developed to have a bus trip to visit Valley Forge and the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge.

The Freedoms Foundation’s mission is, “We educate about American rights and responsibilities, honor acts of civic virtue and challenge all to serve a cause greater than themselves.”

Visit freedomsfoundation.org for more information. Bus trip information is forthcoming. It is expected the trip to Valley Forge will occur in September.

The Whitehall and Coplay communities have a long history of support for their resident veterans. There are numerous veterans memorials in both municipalities.

Cemeteries in both areas have veterans buried from all wars. In the Coplay Cemetery, there are a number of veterans buried, with emblems holding American flags indicating GAR. GAR is an acronym for the Grand Army of the Republic. It is the name for the Union army of the U.S. Civil War.

Both municipalities hold Memorial Day services. In Coplay, members of Coplay Legion Post 426 travel to eight locations in Coplay and Stiles for a Memorial Day weekend service. They conclude with a social gathering of participants at the Post, 134 S. Second St., Coplay.

Whitehall Township also holds veterans tributes throughout that weekend.