Veterans Banner project returns in October

The Niwot Community Association is now accepting applications for the 2021 Veterans Banner Project, a public tribute to locals who have served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Starting in October, full-color banners featuring a photo and service details of the honoree will be hung from lighting fixtures along 2nd Avenue and in Cottonwood Square, where they will remain through Veterans Day.

The NCA launched the banner project in 2019 as a way to recognize former or current service members either living in the area or with a connection to a resident or business owner. In the first year, nearly three dozen locals signed up for a two-year sponsorship, with the banners displayed on 2nd Avenue. In 2020, the project expanded to Cottonwood Square, and the NCA received 18 additional two-year sponsorships. The 2021 banners will go to open spots on 2nd Avenue, NCA President Dave Limbach said, but the deadline to reserve one is approaching quickly.

"This year, the people that purchased their banners for Cottonwood Plaza will be rehung, and we're looking for new sponsors of banners on 2nd Avenue....If they do decide to [sponsor a banner] they're going to have to have a fairly rapid turnaround time. We're going to need the photo by the end of the month."

Sponsors can also submit a biography of their service member, which will be published on the NCA's website. Limbach, who has compiled these details over the past two years, said that WWII service is the most common era among the banners, but there are tales of heroism and heartbreak spanning 160 years.

"We've actually had submissions from the civil war, all the way through the present day conflict," he said. "There are some amazing stories and some amazing people."

The banners will be on display through mid-November. On Sunday, Nov. 7, NCA will be hosting its annual Veterans Day ceremony in Niwot. For more information about the Veterans Banner project, contact the NCA at [email protected] or visit http://www.niwot.org/2021-veteran-banner-project.