To help honor those it considers hometown heroes, the City Council unveiled nine large banners that will soon hang along major streets.
Each banner includes the name, face and service branch of a different member of the military who also lives in San Bernardino, graduated from a high school here or has an immediate family member living here.
"The city of San Bernardino is proudly honoring military personnel who are currently serving," said Councilman Rikke Van Johnson, who led the committee in charge of the Hometown Heroes Military Banner program and whose son Julian is one of the people honored.
"It's our way to honor those who constantly place their lives in harm's way to protect our country."
A standing-room-only audience joined in the praise, spontaneously standing up during a rendition of Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA."
The hope is that the banners, which will be hung from light poles throughout the city, will inspire others to remember the people serving in the military.
"I hope they see the banners and say, `Thank you for your service and sacrifice,"' said Darcie Tossetti, whose son Jess is a chief petty officer in the Navy and is one of those who will be honored with a banner. "That's what I do when I see them in other cities."
Many cities have previously honored resident veterans with the Hometown Heroes program, and San Bernardino began preparing its program in August.
The process involved many residents and staff members, said Councilwoman Wendy McCammack, who served with Johnson and Councilwoman Virginia Marquez on the banner committee.
"There are always people who go above and beyond the call of duty, as our military personnel know so well," McCammack said, naming many of them individually. "Thank you so much."
The next group of service members will be honored on banners unveiled in July, with nominations now being accepted. A banner requires a $300 donation, active-duty service in the military and a close connection to the city - either as a resident or high school graduate, or as the spouse, child, grandchild, son-in-law or daughter-in-law of a resident.
More information is available by calling Renee Ramey at 909-384-5188.
This group of banners will hang along Mount Vernon Avenue, Highland Avenue, Hospitality Lane and University Parkway.
Contact Ryan via email, or by phone at 909-386-3916.
