Salem VA Health Care System installed new “Hometown Heroes” banners at the Salem VA Medical Center ahead of Memorial Day weekend to honor the service and sacrifices of local veterans.
The banners were installed May 21 at the medical center, located at 1970 Roanoke Blvd. in Salem, marking the first display of its kind on the facility’s grounds.
Each banner featured a veteran’s photo, name, branch of service, years of service and awards earned during military service, including honors such as the Medal of Honor, Service Crosses for Valor, Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
“It is our aim that these banners serve as a living tribute that keeps the legacies of our local heroes visible, ensuring their courage is never forgotten,” Tammy Snyder, interim medical center director of the Salem VA Health Care System, said in a statement. “To our team, these banners are a moving reminder to continue our commitment to putting Veterans first as we carry on our mission of caring for those who have ‘borne the battle.’”
The initial installation included 15 banners displayed on outdoor light fixtures across the medical center campus, with plans to expand the program in the future. Officials said the facility has the capacity to display more than 130 banners.
The first group of banners honored veterans who were killed in action, prisoners of war, Medal of Honor recipients, Vietnam veterans and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans.
The banners will remain on display annually from Memorial Day through Veterans Day. They will be removed during the winter months to help prevent weather-related damage and preserve their condition.
