The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging residents to submit nominations for the third annual Long Beach Veterans Banner Program.
In 2025, 65 veterans were honored through the program, with each receiving an individualized banner at locations throughout Long Beach. Up to 65 veterans will be chosen for this year’s program class. The City’s Office of Veterans Support, alongside the Long Beach Veterans Commission, will lead the selection of banners to be displayed city-wide for one year, beginning in the summer.
“The Veterans Banner Program offers a meaningful and visible way to honor and celebrate those who dutifully served our country,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “The program celebrates the contributions of our veterans and highlights Long Beach’s rich naval history.”
Leadership from the Long Beach Veterans Commission, Long Beach Running and People of the Earth Krew of presented with certificates of recognition from the city and the State Assembly during the Long Beach Veterans Day celebration at Houghton Park on Nov. 12, 2022. These groups helped plan the events for the day. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)
The community is invited to nominate any living or deceased veterans who meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
Born or raised in Long Beach
Currently works or previously worked in Long Beach
Currently resides or previously resided in Long Beach
Educated in Long Beach
Formerly stationed or worked at the Long Beach Naval Station or Shipyard, Long Beach Naval Hospital, Long Beach Armory or Veterans Affairs Long Beach
Nominations can be submitted through the Veterans Banner Program’s online nomination form now through Wednesday, April 15.
Applicants will be asked to complete the following:
Identify which of the eligibility criteria the nominee meets.
Provide information about the veteran nominee’s military service, including service branch, dates of service, primary duties performed and highest rank attained as well as notable honors or awards, if applicable.
Describe any connections the veteran nominee may have to Long Beach, such as involvement with local civic, community-based or veterans’ organizations or other community involvement.
Provide the veteran nominee’s bio, which will be posted on the City’s website.
Provide a high-resolution photo if selected for the program.
All applications will be reviewed by the Long Beach Veterans Commission to verify eligibility and anonymized to lessen selection bias. The selected honorees will be notified by May.
The 2026 iteration of the Veterans Banner Program was funded by a one-time monetary increase as part of the City’s Adopted Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, done in support of the Long Beach Veterans Commission’s increased outreach and education efforts.
To learn more about the Veterans Banner Program, visit longbeach.gov/vetsbanner.
