Honoring Their Own: The Somerset, PA Hometown Heroes Banner Campaign

There’s something profoundly moving about seeing the faces of those you’ve known your whole life up in the streets. It’s even more powerful when those faces represent the sacrifices made by your friends, neighbors, and family. That’s exactly what happened when Somerset, PA town leaders decided to launch the Hometown Heroes Banner campaign with Gates Flag & Banner.

The concept was simple: banners of hometown heroes would be hung throughout the main street area, featuring names and photographs of multiple generations of local heroes. Each banner would serve as a reminder of their dedication, whether they were serving in the military, working as a firefighter, or volunteering in other ways to make the town a better place. What seemed like a small gesture, quickly became something significantly more.

As the idea spread, the town buzzed with excitement. Local businesses stepped up, donating funds to make the project a reality. Families began submitting photos of their loved ones who had served, and soon, the list of heroes grew longer than any had anticipated. Each submission came with its own story—stories of courage, of sacrifice, and of service to others. It was as though Somerset’s history was being honored in real time.

The whole town gathered along Main Street to witness the unveiling. It was a powerful moment—more powerful than imagined. It wasn’t just about the heroes themselves; it was about what they meant to the community. They were part of the fabric of the town. These weren’t just abstract figures in faraway places. These were neighbors, teachers, and friends. They made the town what it is today.

The banners did something else, too. They sparked conversations. Families gathered around the banners, pointing out faces they recognized, swapping stories about shared memories, and talking about the impact these individuals had on their lives. It brought a sense of unity to the town—one that transcended age, background, and even politics. For those few weeks, all were bound together in a shared appreciation for the people who had given so much.

But it didn’t stop there. The Hometown Heroes Banner campaign has become an annual tradition. Every year, more names are added to the banners. New heroes emerge, and each time, folks gather once again to celebrate them. It has become a moment to not only honor the past but to also recognize the ongoing contributions of those who continue to serve in different capacities.

One local Somerset resident put it this way, “Reflecting on it now, I realize how much the Hometown Heroes Banner campaign has meant to all of us. It has become more than just a public display of admiration; it’s a living, breathing part of our town’s identity. Every time I walk down Main Street, I’m reminded of the sacrifices made for our freedom, safety, and well-being. And each time, I feel a deep sense of pride.”

It’s amazing what something as simple as a banner can do. It can bring a community together, celebrate the selflessness of individuals, and remind us of what truly matters. For Somerset, PA, the Hometown Heroes Banner campaign has become a symbol of gratitude, unity, and pride—a testament to the enduring spirit of a small Pennsylvania town. All of us at Gates Flag & Banner take special pride in helping small towns around the country create similar experiences.