The West Penn Township board of supervisors is hoping to get support for a Hometown Heroes banner program.

Through the program, past and present members of the Armed Forces are honored with banners that hang on poles.

The board invited Bob Gabardi of the Twin County Lions Club to its Monday meeting to talk about the program.

Gabardi, whose Sheppton-based club assists with seven programs, brought several large banners.

“When you put them up, you can read it, you don’t have to stop and read it,” he said of the large size.

The vinyl tributes feature a photo of the honoree, along with a name, information about service, and the sponsor.

The cost, he said, is $205 per banner. On average, the banner will last 3 to 5 years.

At the moment, the township has one banner outside its municipal building. The board hopes to get more.

“It’s hard to get it going but once people see them” the program typically takes off, Gabardi said.

Gabardi said he’s learned quite a bit about local veterans. One family, he said, had five sons who served in the service, including four in World War II.

“You get an education on all of the people in the war,” he said.

Gabardi suggested that the board speak to the fire company, veterans groups or the West Penn Lions to gauge their support.

“Whether this takes off for us or not, I just want to thank you for honoring our veterans,” Supervisor Tony Prudenti said.

One resident suggested that if the program launches, the board should also consider honoring emergency responders, such as police or firefighters.

Prudenti said that the board plans to continue discussions about Hometown Heroes and will possibly appoint the newest board member to head the program.

Supervisor Timothy Houser isn’t running for re-election and voters will decide on a replacement during today’s election.