If you’ve driven down Main Street in Zachary in the past few days, you’ve probably seen the Military Banners on Main Street project hosted by the Regional Veterans Park Association. Thirty-nine flags honor veterans from all branches of the armed forces.
Sandy Davis, who recently retired from her position as Assistant Superintendent for Central Community Schools, had seen similar flags lining the streets of Central and wanted to bring the same experience to Zachary. She consulted with the Blue Star Mothers who run the Central program to learn more about getting the banner project off the ground.
The City of Zachary was excited to partner with Regional Veterans Park and offered 29 pole spaces around downtown. For $75, families could submit a photo and service information and claim a banner location. The banners were then expertly designed by Kim Denson of Denson Advertising in Zachary. The program was wildly successful and sold out within two weeks. After a bit of back and forth with the City and Entergy, 10 more pole locations were added, bringing the total number of available banners to 39.
By September, the banners had arrived, and the real fun began. Great thought was given to where each banner was placed. For example, if someone had ties to a specific church or business, their banner might be placed on the pole nearest to it. Some families had multiple members who they wanted to honor, and those were grouped together. John Deal Taylor, who was instrumental in the founding of the Regional Veterans Park, but sadly passed away before he saw it completed, had his banner placed near First Baptist Church where he was a longtime member.
Those interested in having their own loved ones honored next year should go to http://www.regionalveteranspark.org/ or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RegionalVeteransZacharyLA
Of course, the banners aren’t the only thing that the group has going on for Veteran’s Day! There will be an event at the Regional Veterans Park on Friday, November 11 at 7:30 AM. This event is co-sponsored by the Bank of Zachary and will feature the Zachary High School Band and Choir.
