Beaverton Armed Forces Banner Program

At DisplayStar, we specialize in trade show displays and large format printing. The majority of our signage business is for advertising, sales promotions and brand recognition. 

But when is signage more than signage?

When it has the power to evoke an emotional response or when it connects us to a larger, integral belief such as freedom and our gratitude to the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces. This is the resonating power of the City of Beaverton Armed Forces Banner Program.

Armed Forces Banner Program

Since February of 2013, the City of Beaverton has implemented an Armed Forces Banner Program to recognize and honor Beaverton’s active-duty military personnel.

The large, 3 feet by 7 feet, street pole banners are decorated with an image of the American flag, the soldier’s name and branch, and the message Thank you for serving. The banners run along Murray and SW Jenkins between 158th & 170th. 

DisplayStar, a Beaverton-based business since 2002, is supplying and printing the banners. We are happy to be able to make a contribution to such an important program, says Terry Neidermeyer, President of DisplayStar.

We were hoping to expand our donor program. We had routinely donated vinyl banners to local schools. By providing vinyl banners for the schools to sell ad space to local sponsors, we were able to help them generate funds for their football and softball programs.

The banner program, which now has 85 recipients, was initiated by James Cummo, a Vietnam-era Army veteran who retired from the Beaverton Police Department.

Banners Bring Soldiers to Mind

Cummo’s intention was to have the banners keep our soldiers in the forefront of our minds. It’s easy to go about our daily life and forget that these people are going through the hardest times of their lives. It’s great if when we glance up at a banner, we are reminded of someone we know in the military.

Mark Hyde, Community Services Specialist, with the Beaverton Police Department who manages the program, comments on the program’s positive response, Many banner families have loved ones stationed overseas and each time they see the banner it makes them feel physically closer to them.

Other parents believe the banners are not only a great way to show support and appreciation, but also to bring the community together. One parent mentioned that with so many people participating it became clear that other Beaverton residents understood and appreciated our sons and daughters and what they were doing and what sacrifices are being made.

Banner Application Process

To be considered for a banner, honorees must be on active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces and a current Beaverton resident, or have an immediate family member who is a Beaverton resident.

As long as funding is available, the banners are free for veterans or family members who submit an application. The application form is available online on the city’s website.