City accepting next batch of military street banners

The City of Canyon Lake’s Military Banner program is accepting the next batch of banners and will display them on city street light poles in time for Memorial Day in May. The deadline for applying for a banner to go up by Memorial Day is April 1.

“The City of Canyon Lake is proud to recognize and pay tribute to Canyon Lake’s military heroes for their sacrifice and service through programs, events and services, including the City’s Military Banner Program,” the city said in a recent announcement. “Family members and loved ones may nominate an active-duty service member or veteran from any branch of the military to be honored with a street banner with the individual’s name and photo. The banner will be prominently displayed within Canyon Lake boundaries for two years or until the banners begin to show deterioration.”

Those nominating the men and women who have or are currently serving will need to fill out an application available on the city website and submit a payment of $200 to cover the cost of printing and installing the banner.

The Military Banner Program is to be used for the benefit of recognizing those who are currently serving or who have served in the United States Armed Forces and pay tribute to Canyon Lake veterans and deceased veterans. Street light poles throughout the community, including the Canyon Lake Town Center, are used to display Military Banners.

The city has determined that the use of these light poles for this purpose has a direct and substantial civic and community benefit and enriches the aesthetic and visual appearance of City of Canyon Lake’s thoroughfares. The city said the display of the Military Banners contributes to the community’s quality of life which lends a special character to the City of Canyon Lake.

Applicants need only supply verification of Military Status (Military ID or DD 214 form) and the honoree needs to be a current City of Canyon Lake resident or an immediate family member of a City of Canyon Lake resident (immediate family would include a wife or husband, son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter, son-in-law or daughter-in-law).

The content of the predesigned banner includes the person’s photo and lists the name of the person, service branch and logo and name of the sponsor. Once the banner has been produced, city staff will contact the applicant to consult with him or her about the location of the pole and schedule the installation of the banner. After consultation, the city will make the final determination of the banner location.

As part of the banner program, families will be honored at a Special City Council Meeting and will be able to view their sponsored banner and take photos with it.