Lyndonville accepting applications for ‘Hometown Hero’ banners

File photo: These banners recognize two Medal of Honor recipients from the Lyndonville community. Forrest Vosler served during World War II with the Army as a radio operator and aerial gunner aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress. David Bellavia also was in the Army. He was honored for his actions on Nov. 10, 2004, when he defended his fellow soldiers while serving in the second battle of Fallujah, Iraq.

Provided photo: Valerie Wells is shown with a banner for Harry Cooper, who was killed in World War II.

LYNDONVILLE – Applications are being accepted for new “Hometown Hero” banners in Lyndonville.

This will be the fourth year for the banners. It started in 2022 with 101 banners, followed by 34 more in 2023 and 14 more in 2024.

The banners are displayed from around Memorial Day to just after Veterans Day. They are on a three-year cycle. After three years they are given back to the families.

The cost for a banner is $200. Valerie Wells has been coordinator of the project in Lyndonville. Applications are open until March 31. Applicants can contact her at (585) 339-8500 or vwells022@gmail.com.

The money for the banners goes through the Lyndonville Area Foundation. The Lyndonville DPW and Town of Yates Highway Department hang the banners on utility poles on South Main Street, Lake Avenue, Maple Avenue, North Main Street and North Lyndonville Road.

Wells said the banners have promoted patriotism in the community and recognized veterans for their service. She said she comes from a family where many have served in the military, including her father, husband and father-in-law along and cousins and uncles. Her husband Jim Wells is commander of the Butts-Clark American Legion Post 204 in Medina.