Solon Salutes Banner

Guidelines

In partnership with the City of Solon, the Solon American Legion Stinocher Post #460 is excited to announce our 1st year of the Solon Hometown Heroes Banner Program, Solon Salutes! This program was established to honor and recognize past and present members of the Armed Forces.

Eligibility Requirements

• Active, retired, or honorably discharged members of the United States Armed Forces. (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, Reserves, and National Guard).
• A current or past City of Solon, Solon School District, or area code 52333 resident OR graduated from Solon High School OR an immediate family member of a current resident (spouse, parent, sibling, child or child-in-law, or grandchild) OR served with a Veterans Support Group in Solon.
• Proof of eligibility will be required before an application is considered complete.
• Proof of residency (i.e. copy of utility bill or driver’s license) of the nominee or applicant who is the immediate family member of the nominee, or school transcript of the nominee.
• Verification of active-duty dates. (i.e. copy of military DD214, orders, or military ID).
• Honorable discharge or retirement papers with SSN redacted.

Banner Details

• Banners will measure 20” x 52”, double-sided vinyl, and will include:
• The portrait of the honoree.
• Honoree’s name.
• Honoree’s service branch.
• Honoree’s years of service.
• Sponsor information.

Display Period

• The banners will be displayed beginning May 18th (Armed Forces Day) through November 11th (Veterans Day).
• At the end of the display period, the Legion will contact the family and/or applicant to arrange for pick up. Any unclaimed banners will become the property of the Legion and may be disposed of after 1 year.

Banner Locations

• The City of Solon has designated the use of light poles along Main St., S. Dubuque St., 5th St., and Hwy 1.
• All banner locations shall be determined solely by the City of Solon.

Sponsors and Donations

• Hometown Hero Banners are funded through private donations and/or sponsorships.
• The cost of each banner is $175.00 and is subject to change based on increased or decreased cost of production.
• There is a $75.00 fee to have a banner displayed for a second year. Names will be put on a waiting list if spots are available after all new applications are submitted by the deadline. Banners will need to be intact, in great condition, and approved by office personnel.
• All payments will be made payable to the Solon American Legion and deposited into the Solon Salutes Banner Program Account. A portion of the proceeds will go toward future Veterans support programs and events.

Procedures

• The Hometown Hero Banner application may be obtained from the Solon American Legion at 222 E. Main St., our website, or you may contact the Legion to have one emailed to you by sending an email to stinocherp460@southslope.net or by calling 319-624-2277.
• Applications can then be dropped off or emailed, along with submitting your high-resolution digital image (minimum 300 dpi) in jpeg format or a 5 x 7 photograph of the honoree in official uniform (with no objects). Original photos will be returned.
• Banner proofs will be provided by email. An approval reply must accompany proof before the order is processed.
• Application deadline for 2024 is October 15th, though applications are accepted year-round. Available space is determined on a first-come, first-served basis among qualified applicants. If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of banner spaces, they will be rolled into the following year for placement.

Additional Information

• Neither the City of Solon nor the Solon Legion is responsible for replacing banners that are stolen, damaged, or destroyed due to age, vandalism, or any acts of nature.
• The City of Solon and the Solon Legion reserve the irrevocable right to use the photograph/image/likeness in all forms and manner, and edit, use, reproduce, exhibit, and distribute this photograph in whole or in part, in any manner and media now known or hereinafter invented, including, but not limited to, print, publications, the City website, banners, and social media, in perpetuity throughout the world, in support of and/or to promote the City and Legion programs, services and mission, and for archival purposes.

“Solon Salutes” Military Tribute Banner Application

As an ongoing program, applications will be accepted year-round by the Solon Salutes Banner Program Policy and Guidelines. However, banners are displayed annually between mid-May through mid-November. 

Please complete the application form and submit the following supporting documentation: 

• Proof of residency (i.e., copy of utility bill or driver's license) of the nominee or the applicant who is the immediate family member of the nominee), or school transcript of the nominee.
• Verification of active-duty (or service) dates (i.e., copy of military orders or military ID)
• Honorable discharge or retirement papers with SSN redacted. 
• High-resolution digital image (minimum 300 dpi) in jpeg format or a 5 x 7 photograph of the honoree in official uniform.

Once the application is approved, Legion staff will notify the applicant, process the sponsor payment, and produce the banner. Posthumous submittals are welcome.