Wayne Seeks To Honor Its 'Hometown Heroes'

WAYNE, NJ—Wayne is looking to highlight members of the armed forces and veterans who are from the township with its "Hometown Heroes" banner initiative.

Launched this past spring, the program honors local veterans and those currently serving by putting decorative banners with their name and picture along township roadways between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Applications for next year's banners are being accepted through March 2020, according to township officials.

"The Hometown Heroes banner program was developed while thinking of ways we could recognize the service of local veterans," said Tim Roetman, the township's director of parks and recreation.

During the first year of the program, 13 banners were hung along Valley Road. Eight of them honor veterans who were confirmed to be killed in action during wars dating back to World War II. One banner recognizes a township man who is officially missing in action from the Vietnam War, according to Roetman.

The remaining four banners honor living service members whose families completed the application packets and nominated them. Those service members were also invited to this year’s Memorial Day parade, where they – along with deceased service members – were recognized for their contributions, Roetman said.

Applications are available online or at the parks and recreation office inside the municipal complex (475 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ)

"Hometown Heroes" requirements

An individual is eligible if they are serving - or have served - in any one of the following branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

• Air Force
• Army
• Coast Guard
• Marines
• Navy
• Women in the WAVES program
• Merchant Marines or Airforce Services Pilots in World War II

Additional criteria

• Applicants must be active duty, honorably discharged or killed in action.
• Honorees may be living or deceased at time of application.
• Have lived in Wayne at any time, past or present.
• There is no fee if the service member was killed in action. For honorees who were honorably discharged or are currently active duty, there is a one-time fee of $175.00 for a flag and banner set.