The third cycle of the North Royalton Hometown Heroes Banner Program is now accepting applications. The deadline to have your father, mother or any family member who served in the military honored through the program is Friday, March 17.
If you are a motorist along State Route 82 (Royalton Road), you probably have noticed these banners. They are hung from utility poles during the summer and fall months. This past year, there were 65 banners that were displayed along Royalton Road.
The banners display the picture, name and branch of service of veterans with ties to North Royalton. They are displayed for a two-year cycle between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day.
North Royalton Ward 4 Councilman Jeremy Dietrich was instrumental in developing the Banner Program. He thinks the program has been a success.
“I think the program has gone very well. We’ve expanded the territory to the other side of 82. We’ve received a lot of positive feedback from residents, veterans and from family members. I think it’s gone really well.”
The year 2023 begins another two-year cycle for the Banner Program. Applications for the program are available at North Royalton City Hall, 14600 State Road, or on the City Hall website at www.northroyalton.org.
The cost of the program is $100. After the two-year cycle is completed, the banner will be returned to the veteran or their family. The $100 charge covers the cost of manufacturing the banner and to have it displayed on the utility pole.
After the two-year cycle is completed, a retirement ceremony is held to pay tribute to the veterans who are displayed on the banners and their families.
“It’s a way for us to honor individuals who were willing to give their lives for our freedom,” said North Royalton Council President Paul Marnecheck.
And the banner program in North Royalton is very popular. “We already have a waiting list of more families and veterans who want to get involved,” said Councilman Dietrich.
In order for these banners to be displayed, the City of North Royalton needs the co-operation from area utility companies to make this happen.
“I see these banners displayed in other communities, and I wanted to bring it here because of my love for the veterans and the country. I wanted them to be recognized,” said Dietrich.
For more information, you can call the Mayor’s Office at 440-237-5686.

By JOE JASTRZEMSKI
Contributing Writer