The Peru Gazette

Jeanne Arnold (L) and Jackie Douglass – Earl Witherwax’s banner was purchased for his family’s reunion

Mike McKeon’s banner near Livingoods was the first one erected

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Veterans Day is the appropriate time to highlight Peru’s Hometown Heroes Military Banner Recognition Program.  The first banner honoring U.S. Air Force veteran Michael McKeon was erected on a utility pole along the Bear Swamp Rd. in May 2018. Since then twelve more are flying aloft and seven more have been sponsored. Michael McKeon’s banner was purchased as a birthday gift. Others have been purchased to honor deceased or honored family members. 

Jeanne Arnold and Jackie Douglass are the program’s organizers. Jeanne Arnold explained, “I got the idea driving through Willsboro and Keeseville. I said to my husband, ‘I can’t believe no one in Peru has done the same thing.’” Jackie Douglass remarked, “I kept saying the same thing to my husband Jim. They look so beautiful.”  Jeanne added, “My husband Tim’s birthday was coming up. I wanted something that would mean something to him. I thought of a banner for his father Norm Arnold. I called Willsboro and got information from the lady who had done it there and it’s progressed from there.” 

There are eligibility requirements. Honorees must be military personnel who are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans who have served in the past, or veterans who are now deceased.  An honoree must have received an honorable discharge and be a Peru resident or an immediate family member of a Peru resident (spouse, father, mother, step-father, step-mother, son, daughter, brother, sister).  The residency requirement can be waived if the honoree is a graduate of Peru High School or a resident at the time of birth. Documents must be submitted to verify eligibility. Jeanne said, “People like the idea that the required information is given to someone in Peru and that it’s kept private.” Jackie has the veteran documentation carefully organized and safeguarded.  

Available banner space is determined on a first-come, first-serve basis, and all banner locations shall be solely determined by the Water Superintendent’s office and based on poles approved by NYSEG.  Banners will be displayed for a minimum of three (3) months or determined by space availability. The banners erected next April should be displayed through Veterans Day. 

The cost of a banner is $215. Funds are deposited in the Peru Federal Credit Union with Credit Union Manager Maggie Pope serving as volunteer auditor. The Credit Union and Sweet Treat Ice Cream have sponsored the program covering the cost of brochure production and office material. Donations to purchase additional banners for Peru families who don’t have the funds for a banner are welcome. 

Jeanne Arnold and Jackie Douglass have even more ideas including telling veterans’ stories in a book or on an app. These ladies are truly focused on ensuring that our veterans’ sacrifices for our nation are never forgotten. 

For more information or to submit applications contact Jeanne Arnold at 518-726-6444 email: totch1227@gmail.com or Jackie Douglass at 518-570-9548 email: jim.douglass09@gmail.com.  

Click here for an Application Form