Through the successful program, the names, images and dates of service of 100 active military and veterans appeared on banners displayed along city streets from Memorial Day through July 4.
In 2018, the program was limited to the first 100 applicants that met eligibility requirements. For 2019, the program will be expanded to include an additional 50 participants. The program is funded through private donations with no fee to participate. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2019.
An individual is eligible to take part in the Hometown Heroes program if they are serving or have served in any one of the following branches of the United States Armed Forces: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy. Members of the United States Merchant Marine and Women Airforce Service Pilots in World War II are also invited to apply. Applicants must also have lived in Summit at any time in the past or present, or are currently or have been employed by the City of Summit or Summit Board of Education, or are current or former volunteers in the Summit EMS, Police Auxiliary and Volunteer Fire Division.
Information on application requirements and how to apply is available at cityofsummit.org/hometownheroes. To make a tax-deductible donation in support of the Hometown Heroes program online, please go to sapfnj.org/donate. Donations by check made payable to Summit Area Public Foundation can be mailed to Summit Hometown Heroes, P.O. Box 892, Summit, NJ 07902.