Richmondville will honor its veterans this year––and you can be a part of it.
The Ralph Sperbeck American Legion Post and friends plan to line Richmondville streets with banners of veterans, similar to efforts in Cobleskill and other towns.
Families and friends who have a veteran with a connection to Richmondville can buy a banner that will fly from July 4 to Veterans’ Day.
A 10-member banner committee is organizing the project.
“It’s a great way to recognize those who served in the armed forces,” said Denise Klug, a committee member.
“We’re making sure they’re not forgotten.”
Lisa Crapser spearheaded the project because “I just thought it was the right thing to do.
“Lots of towns honor their local veterans. . .Cobleskill, Amsterdam, Stamford, I think.”
Those who want a banner must have a clear photo of their veteran and complete the application form that’s with this story or available at Rvilleveteranbanners@gmail.
Applications must be submitted by April 30 for a banner to fly this year.
A $60 charge covers the cost of the banner. The committee is seeking donations to pay for the standoffs, or brackets, that will hold the banners on power poles.
Ms. Klug said the committee is aiming for 50 banners this year, and Ms. Crapser added that if more are added in coming years, they can place banners in Warnerville as well.
The banner project has widespread support. Ms. Crapser praised Richmondville Mayor Carl Warner and Supervisor Jeff Haslun for signing on. Richmondville Power and Light will hang the banners when they’re ready.
Help also came from Dick Frank of Cobleskill’s Fred Stilson American Legion Post, who is involved with Cobleskill’s banners.
“This is definitely a joint effort,” Ms. Crapser said.
The committee already has two banner subjects: Ralph Sperbeck, who died a few days before the end of World War I and for whom the Legion Post is named; and Corporal James Tanner, who was at President Lincoln’s bedside when he died in 1865.
Anyone wishing to donate to help with the initial costs and also for the standoffs can mail a check to the Ralph Sperbeck American Legion Post 249, Veteran Banners Project, PO Box 253, Richmondville, NY 12149.
Also, Radez School in Richmondville is hosting a spaghetti dinner on March 21, and proceeds will go to the banner project, Ms. Crapser said.