The City of Canton wants to honor those who bravely served our country. Banners for the Brave is a new program that will give recognition to Veterans to thank them for or remember their service. Veterans in the program will be featured on custom banners attached to light poles throughout Downtown Canton.

Program Qualifications

Retired or honorably discharged members of the United States Armed Forces who reside in the City of Canton, or resided in the City of Canton and are now deceased, are eligible for the program.

Banner Locations

The City has designated the use of 60 light poles located through the Downtown Canton area. Available space is determined on a first-come, first-served basis among qualified applicants. All banner locations shall be determined solely by the City. A banner applicant / sponsor cannot select a specific location. Banners will be installed and on display one month prior and thru Veterans day, approx. Oct. 7- Nov. 13, 2024.

Banner Style and Display

Double-sided, full color, 18"x48" custom banners that include an image of the honoree will be displayed for one month leading up to Veterans Day. Upon removal, the banner will be retired and given to the Veteran, Veteran's family, or designated recipient.

An official military portrait of the honoree is suggested for this purpose. If such an image is not available, an image of the honoree void of other people or objects can be provided. A high resolution JPG or PNG digital image (600 dpi or greater) is preferred. A high resolution 5" x 7" or larger portrait style photo will be accepted in lieu of a digital image. Original photos will not be returned by mail, but must be picked up in person with signature confirmation. 

Sponsor a Banner

Customized military street banners are funded through private donations. Banners may be sponsored by individuals or organizations. The cost of each banner is $100.00 (including production, installation, and removal) or $25 to rehang a banner purchased in the 2023 program. Please complete and submit the online form below. City staff will follow up for full payment at the time of the application acceptance.

Submit an Application

Applications will be accepted from Aug. 12 - Sept. 20, 2024. Please complete the application form, and then submit the following supporting documentation:

• Proof of residency for the service member (i.e. copy of utility bill or driver's license)
• Verification of active duty dates (i.e. copy of military orders or military ID)
• Honorable discharge or retirement papers with SSN redacted
• High Resolution digital image 600dpi or greater or 5 x 7 photograph of Veteran in official uniform

Submit supporting documentation to lauren.johnson@cantonga.gov. Once the completed application is approved, City staff will notify the applicant / sponsor, process the payment, and produce the banner. Banners will be installed and on display one month prior and thru Veterans day, approx. Oct. 7- Nov. 13, 2024.

Waiver And Limitations

The City of Canton is not responsible for replacing banners that are stolen, damaged, or destroyed due to age, vandalism, or any acts of nature including high winds. Any loss or damage to an installed banner will be handled at the discretion of the City. One banner per service member installed for a one month period. Installation and removal of the banners are at the City's discretion.