Message from Councilwoman Elizabeth Stamler | March 13, 2026
Scotch Plains and Fanwood residents have a special opportunity once again to honor the service and sacrifice of local military members through the Hometown Heroes Banner Program.
Each year, the program recognizes the brave men and women who have served, or are currently serving, in the United States Armed Forces and who have a connection to our communities. The banners, which are displayed throughout Scotch Plains and Fanwood beginning each Memorial Day, serve as a powerful visual reminder of the individuals from our towns who answered the call to serve our country.
We are now accepting applications for the 2026 season. The program honors Veterans, both living and deceased, as well as Active Duty military personnel who live or have lived in Scotch Plains or Fanwood. Banners from previous phases of the program will continue to be displayed each year, helping to ensure that the contributions of these service members remain visible and appreciated by the entire community.
Individuals are eligible to participate if they have served or are currently serving in one of the following branches of the United States Armed Forces: the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, Merchant Marines, or the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II.
Applicants must also meet the following criteria: they must be active duty, retired, honorably discharged, or killed in action. Families may apply on behalf of deceased service members. Applications must include a copy of the individual’s DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or other official documentation verifying military service. Honorees must be current or former residents of Scotch Plains or Fanwood.
All applications must be completed online by April 15.
Residents interested in participating can apply online here.
The cost to participate in the program is $150, which covers the cost of producing the banner and mounting bracket. If a family is experiencing financial hardship, they are encouraged to contact the township so that no Veteran is turned away from being honored.
Checks should be made payable to the Township of Scotch Plains and mailed to Britney Serio, 430 Park Avenue, Scotch Plains, New Jersey 07076. Please include the name of the honored Veteran in the memo line.
It is important to note that banner placement locations cannot be requested, and the Township of Scotch Plains and the Borough of Fanwood reserve the right to remove a banner if necessary.
Our Hometown Heroes program is a meaningful way for our community to recognize those who served and sacrificed on our behalf. I encourage residents to take part in this special tribute and help us continue honoring the military members who have helped protect the freedoms we enjoy every day.
For more information, residents can contact Britney Serio at (908) 322-6700 ext. 313 or
