United Veterans Council of Greater Woonsocket's Military Banner Tribute Program
Purpose of this program:
The United Veterans Council of Rhode Island’s Military Banner Tribute Program is a meaningful initiative dedicated to honoring and recognizing individuals who are currently serving or have served in the United States Armed Forces. This program allows loved ones to nominate a military service member or veteran to be honored with a personalized banner featuring their name and photo.
Beyond honoring our heroes, this program serves a greater purpose. A portion of the proceeds from each banner will be donated to the United Veterans Council of Rhode Island, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to provide critical emergency assistance to veterans and their families in need. These funds will directly support veterans facing financial hardships by helping cover essential expenses such as housing, utilities, food, and medical needs.
Veterans seeking assistance can apply for support, with each request being reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure help is provided where it is most needed. The amount awarded will be based on the individual’s specific circumstances.
By participating in this program, businesses and families are not only honoring military service members but also making a tangible difference in the lives of veterans within our community.
The banners will be displayed for the following holidays, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day for a period of at least 1 year prior to being retired.
Every service member that we honor through this program will not only be memorialized, but the funds raised through this program is to pass it forward to a veteran, veteran family in crisis. We will also have each servicemember’s Obituary or Bio where the community can learn more about our service members from the local community.
The purpose of this policy is to establish regulations under which the United Veterans Council of Woonsocket alongside the City of Woonsocket will permit the use of light fixtures to display military tribute banners. The display of Military Banners will enhance the community’s quality of life, adding a unique and meaningful touch to the city’s character.
Eligibility:
- The Honoree must be a current or past member of the United States Armed Forces.
- The Honoree must have a strong connection to Woonsocket, either being born or having been a past or present resident of the city. The Honoree discharge from military service must be honorable.
Applications:
The United Veterans Council of Woonsocket will begin taking applications on OPENING DATE. Completed applications, photos, proof of service, and payment must be received by no later than 5:00 pm on CLOSING DATE to allow adequate time for banner production.
The banner application may be obtained by clicking:
- A biography of a maximum of 200 characters will be required in the form. This Biography will be added to the website and on display along with the photo and information on the banner.
- Banners will be installed and hung for the tentative following weeks: (May 12, 2025-June 9, 2025), ( July 4th), (Oct 26,2025-Nov 24,2025).
- Should the applicant's contact information change, the applicant is responsible for notifying the United Veterans Council of Woonsocket. Failure to do so may result in a banner being replaced by another.
Pricing Structure:
- Pricing is determined each year and subject to change.
- The cost for a 2025 Military Banner is $175. Of this amount, a portion will cover production, printing, and installation.
- The remaining portion will be allocated to the United Veterans Council of Woonsocket 501(c) at the current amount of $75.00 (subject to change) for the use of assisting Veterans & Veteran Families in Crisis.
- Payments for the banner can be made through Card, Zelle, Cash, or Check. Cash and Check options will be on a case-by-case basis. Please contact info@uvcwoon.org with any questions
The United Veterans Council of Woonsocket is responsible for having the banner produced and the City of Woonsocket will be responsible for the installation on the poles. Applicant is responsible for the cost of the banner.
Process:
- This program will be a first come first serve basis with the United Veterans Council determining and verifying eligibility.
- The City of Woonsocket will make the final determination of banner location.
- Once a banner is on a pole it will not be moved unless determined by the City of Woonsocket.
- Once banners are installed by the City, they will be displayed on the following dates:
- We are at this time just getting the program out in the public. We will determine a due date soon.
- After 1 year, the banner will be returned to the United Veterans Council of Woonsocket and staff will contact the applicant by phone, email, and/or by certified mail if necessary, to arrange for pick up at LOCATION within a reasonable time of the banner being taken down.
- If an applicant would like to honor their service member again, he/she may reapply for $75 during the application period after a minimum of a year has passed following the retirement.
- Any banners unclaimed will become the property of the United Veterans Council of Woonsocket.
- The United Veterans Council of Woonsocket reserves the right not to install a banner if the requirements of this banner program are not met.
- By submitting an application, the applicant agrees that he or she has permission to use the service member’s likeness and name in the banner.
Banner Specifications:
- The banner for Service members and veterans will feature a full-color, two-sided design with the required: Service members name, rank photo, branch of service. Suggested information: Place of service, years of service, operations. At the bottom of every banner, the message ‘The City of Woonsocket Honors Those Who Serve’ will be displayed as a tribute to their dedication and sacrifice."
Photograph requirements:
- Applicant must provide a military photograph (digital file or physical) of service member, preferably dressed in military uniform or from time in military service. (Veteran Uniforms are acceptable ie. VFW Cover etc. Honor Guard attire etc.
*If assistance is needed with uploading photos, please contact infor@vfwri.org
United Veteran Council of Woonsocket is not responsible for lost or damaged photos.
Banner information, including military branch and spelling of service member’s name will be taken directly from the application. The United Veterans Council of Woonsocket is not responsible for misidentified military branches or misspellings that were submitted with the application.
All policies subject to change by the United Veterans Council of Greater Woonsocket.
