Honoring Hometown Heroes

NORWALK — The city started a new program to honor hometown veterans, and the full program will begin in January 2021. The Hometown Hero Banner Program provides the opportunity for a member of the public to purchase a banner to recognize the city of Norwalk's servicemen and servicewomen and their families who serve, have served or given their lives to our country in the United State Armed Forces. The current program was by word of mouth only. Applications were accepted for servicemen and servicewomen who are currently serving. In total, there are 23 banners recognizing local veterans who are currently serving. Mayor Dave Light said the response has been overwhelming and moving. "The networking between military families in our community is impressive," he said. "What better way to build pride in our community than saluting and celebrating our brave men and women who answered the nation's call to serve." The concept of the program was brought to the city's attention by military mother Wende Mersereau in September. "I haven't physically laid eyes on him in a year," Mersereau said. "We're just so proud. I wanted people in town to see that people who used to live here, our residents, are protecting our freedom and our right to vote." Lisa Hivnor said she was hanging up one of the signs for Wesley Dendinger, whose mother works on the third floor of the auditor's office. Hivnor held up the sign as his mother looked out the window. "She looked out and I held it up and we just cried," she said. Lori Wagner, of Insight Type & Graphics, designed the banners. "It was a pleasure being part of recognizing our local military and helping launch this new Hero Program. Having sons about the same age as many of these local heroes and knowing how proud their families must be of their service really tugged at my heart," said Wagner. The Huron County Veterans Service Commission made a donation toward the project and the Norwalk Area Visitors Bureau partnered with the city for the project. Norwalk general services department employees Rich Brutsche and Kenny Obrenovich erected the banners. Hivnor, the mayor's assistant, oversaw the project. "We hope to see this program grow each year. It is such an honor to be able to recognize our Hometown Heroes," Light said. The current banners from the pilot program will be displayed in Norwalk's uptown district throughout November for everyone to see. In January 2021 the program guidelines will be released and applications will be available. To be eligible for the program, the hero must reside or have lived in the city of Norwalk at some point in their life, have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and must provide proof of discharge verification. The hero must also meet one of the following, an honorably discharged veteran, died in the line of duty or is currently on active duty.