SOUTHAMPTON — To celebrate and remember the “Southampton Hometown Heroes” — veterans of the town who have served the United States — Southampton has installed more than 30 veteran’s banners, similar to many neighboring communities.
“Basically what it is, is reaching out and letting our town know that we are wanting to celebrate and acknowledge our heroes in this town, the people that served honorably,” said Southampton Veteran’s Service Officer Michelle Murdock. “Even in the older-era times, when they (veterans) got out (of the military) many weren’t acknowledged. Now, we are in a different era of time where we can do this.”
Driving in town, the banners can be seen on telephone poles down College Highway, Route 10 and East Street, reading “Southampton Hometown Hero,” with pictures of veterans, their rank, wars served, awards and who sponsored the banner.
On Nov. 30, the community showed up to help Murdock, including volunteers from local businesses, members of the Southampton Police Department and more, spreading out across town to install the banners.
In July, Murdock spearheaded efforts for the project after seeing veterans banners in neighboring communities such as Easthampton.
“A lot of people have seen it in other towns and I said, ‘Why not, let’s do this,'” Murdock said. “It shouldn’t matter the quantity of people in each town. It matters that we acknowledge our veterans and I thought these banners would be perfect.”
Through word of mouth at events such as the veteran’s weekly coffee hour, and on social media, Murdock was able to find the 31 veterans to apply for banners.
A banner costs roughly $150 and is offered to any veteran or active military member that had an honorable service or discharge, with a strong connection to Southampton — having either lived in, was born or attended school in town.
Application materials for a banner can be collected and submitted on a rolling basis in Southampton Town Hall at Murdock’s office. She is hoping that of the approximately 320 veterans in town, friends and family will want to get a banner to recognize a veteran in their life.
She said every town’s banners are different, but Southampton will accept veterans and active duty members.
One veteran, Theodore Hendrick, 103, died two days before the banners were put up on Nov. 28. Murdock said his banner is right in front of Town Hall.
Murdock started as Southampton’s veterans service officer about three years ago and since then, has been looking for ways to boost the veterans community. “I want to make a big impact on this town. That’s why I feel these banners are so important.”
Murdock said she often hears many town residents say they had no idea there was a veteran’s service officer. She hopes that with acts such as the banners, along with different events, that she can bring more recognition to the veterans in town.
“When those banners are not up, it’s not a visual,” Murdock said. “People forget, but this is a reminder to our country why we get up each day, put our clothes on and get to work. It’s about those people that are up on those poles protecting us.”
More information can be found on the Veterans Service page on Southampton’s town website.