Banners to Be Hung in Troy for Veterans [PHOTO]

Troy is now doing even more to support the veterans who fought for our freedoms. A Troy Military Banner kickoff program was on Sunday and since then, you're going to see something different lining the streets.

The initiative started last Fall, according to the Troy Record, from District 6 Councilman John Donohue with a few dozen veterans in mind to feature based on what had been done in Watervliet. Since then, the number has grown to more than 200 and will start showing up lining the streets later this month to be completed by Memorial Day. Then, the banners will be on display through Veteran's Day and then re-hung for the 2018 season.

Each Troy Military Banner costs $150 to last three years. The funds are raised through parties like the one on Sunday. Featured Veterans have served in almost every major war, including some dating back to the Civil War and some of these heroes still live in the community today. The Troy Record is partnering every Sunday but featuring some of the veterans and their story in the paper, Memorial Day through Veteran's Day. Only one banner is for a person not from the military: Troy native Samuel Wilson, aka Uncle Sam.

To learn more about the banners, or to have one of your family members featured, email TroyBanners@gmail.com or check out their Facebook page. If you're from Schenectady, they're also doing something similar with their Hometown Heroes project. This year's nominations were due late last week but keep an eye out for information.

This is such an incredible thing to do to support, respect, and take time to appreciate our veterans. I give them nothing but the utmost respect for putting their lives on the line for me to continue living the life I live with the freedoms that I have. It's incredible to see Capital Region cities finding a way to feature their stories properly.