PORT ANGELES — Want to honor a local man or woman serving in the military?
Then a new program up for consideration by the City Council might fit the bill.
For $350, a banner thanking a person for joining the armed forces could be placed on a light pole on Lincoln Street if the council gives the final OK at its March 18 meeting.
The council revised its sign ordinance last week to ensure that such banners comply with city code, but won’t officially consider approval of the banner program until its next meeting.
Council members applauded the Blue Star Banner Program proposed by Wave Broadband.
“The sign speaks to small town, an all-American small town feel, and I really wholeheartedly endorse the program,” said City Council member Pat Downie.
A few council members questioned whether sponsors should be listed on the banners, and whether certain business, such as pornography shops, should be allowed to participate.
“It tends to lend itself city recognition, not of a person, but in someway promoting this business whatever it may be,” said Council member Max Mania.
The consensus at the end of the discussion appeared to be to allow sponsorships.
Mike Sturgeon, construction coordinator for Wave Broadband in Port Angeles and a Navy veteran, said “Gold Star” banners also would be available to honor local servicemen and women who have died while in the military.
Sturgeon said Wave Broadband has already started such banner programs in Kitsap County. The example of such a banner, which he showed the council, is emblazoned with the name of a person from Silverdale.
The banners, which could be hung on light poles in Lincoln Street between Third Street and Lauridsen Boulevard, would be purchased through the company at first, he said.
But, once it got off the ground, banners probably would be purchased from local veterans organizations.
“It’s time to welcome and thank our service people for what they go through and the sacrifices that they deal with,” said Sturgeon, a Vietnam-era veteran.
“Just to have the community show we are proud of what you are doing in this small fashion will really be nice.”
For more information about the proposed program, contact Sturgeon at mikes@wavebroadband.com.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
