More banners of soldiers going up in Albion, Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 12 May 2021 at 5:13 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers: This banner on East Bank Street in Albion shows the portrait of the late Donald O’Hearn, who served in the Navy at the end of the Korean War.

ALBION/MEDINA – More banners recognizing soldiers from the Albion and Medina community will be put up in 2021.

Albion displayed 69 in the debut of the banners last year. There are 23 more going up for 92 total this year on Main Street, Bank Street and Route 31.

Albion Mayor Eileen Banker has been coordinating the effort. She would like to add more in 2022 and will promote that effort next February.

The banners are expected to be up until just after Veterans’ Day in November.

Medina is in its third year of the “Hometown Heroes” banners and this year will have 210 on display, including 131 new ones. Mary Woodruff, a Ridgeway town councilwoman, has spearheaded the effort.

“It’s building patriotism and celebrating the real heroes,” Woodruff said.

Families or loved ones of the soldiers pay the cost for the banners. The Department of Public Works in each village installs the banners.