NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Veterans Services Department is seeking city veterans, both living and deceased, to honor on large banners displayed throughout the downtown area.

 

"Veterans of the past have paved the way for all of us now," Veterans Agent Kurtis Durocher said. "... I know, from a veteran's perspective, we don't necessarily relay that we want to be honored. But deep down, every veteran wants to be. To know that their service was not done for nothing. It is nice for families to be able to gloat about their veterans. They want to honor that legacy."

 

The program proposes to install 30-by-60-inch banners throughout the downtown area. Durocher, who started in the position in February, said starting this program was a top priority after seeing similar programs in surrounding communities.

 

"My question was always why don't we do it here in North Adams?" he said, explaining that the design process took time to ensure the look was just right.

 

Currently, 18 applications have been accepted and paid for, with another 40 applications pending review. Durocher said Mayor Jennifer Macksey was supportive of the program and wanted to "go big." The city hopes to have 80 to 85 banners displayed initially.

 

"We will start with them going up and down Main Street and then going down Church Street," Durocher explained. "Then we want to do the State Street bridge [Hadley Overpass]. That would be it for now, but we would look to expand if possible."

 

The program is open to veterans who had received an honorable discharge. Applicants just need to provide a photo and a copy of their DD Form 214 so Durocher can verify service.

 

The banners will feature a photo of the veteran, their insignia, dates of service, and a short biography.

The city is charging $150 per banner, making no profit on the program itself. The banner costs nearly $130 to print, with the remaining $21 designated as a maintenance charge to help care for the banners long-term.

 

He said the maintenance fund has a dual purpose. 

 

"The maintenance fund will be available if we have to replace a banner, but more importantly, in the future, to allow those with financial hardships to still have a banner," he said. 

 

Durocher hopes that business and citizen donors will support this cause through sponsorship or donation to assist veterans or families facing financial difficulties.

 

Durocher hopes to have the banners on display the weekend after Memorial Day, or possibly the weekend before the Fourth of July. They would remain up until after Veterans Day.

 

Regarding the 67 or so open slots, Durocher said the application process is first-come, first-served. But with more than 2,000 veterans in the district and more than 500 in North Adams alone, the department hopes to be able to expand. In the future, if the city acquires more banners than available for display locations, a rotation system will be necessary to ensure new banners can be shown.

 

"I don't know how it will work quite yet, but it is something for the future. I hope we have that issue, honestly, because that means that we are doing good," he said. The main logistical challenge currently is finding poles tall enough to prevent vandalism. He added that National Grid is hesitant to support hanging banners on utility poles, a sentiment he agrees with.

 

Following the lead of Adams and Lanesborough, which have similar programs, Durocher hopes to expand the banner program into Williamstown and Cheshire next.

 

Those interested in applying can email the Veterans Services office, call at 413-662-3040, or stop by the office located in North Adams City Hall.